Softball Takes Rubber Match from No. 19 FSU, 4-2

Sunday, March 4

Raleigh, N.C.

12:00 PM

NC State

14-6, 2-1

Florida State

12-7, 1-2

Florida State

NC State

Softball Takes Rubber Match from No. 19 FSU, 4-2

3/4/2007 12:00:00 AM | Softball

Box Score

RALEIGH, NC. – Shanna Smith hit a three-run blast in the bottom of the sixth to propel NC State past No. 19 Florida State in the final match of a three-game series at Walnut Creek on Sunday, March 4. The victory pushes the Pack to 14-6 (2-1 ACC) on the season, while the Seminoles slide to 12-7 (1-2 ACC). The win also ties the all-time series between the two programs at 6-6.

Veronica Wootson laid a bunt down in front of home plate to start the top of the first for FSU. LaShaun Davis then drew a walk, moving Wootson to second. Sims then clamped down and fanned Robin Ahrberg and Yuruby Alicart. As Alicart went down swinging. Miranda Ervin caught Wootson trying to steal third with a throw to Jen Chamberlin, ending the inning on a double play.

The Pack got its first base runner in the bottom of the second as Ervin drew a walk to start things off. Krystal Hawkins then took her spot on the basepath and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from Sims. A grounder back to the circle by Smith moved Hawkins to third, but Allison Presnell went down swinging.

Megan Dalthorp got the Pack’s first hit in the bottom of the third, singling up the middle. A sacrifice bunt by Laura Klem moved Dalthorp to second, and Heather Gelbard reached first on a fielding error by Alicart at short. Blair Harkey then advanced both runners with a sac-bunt back to the circle, but Chamberlin flew out to left and the Seminoles escaped without giving up any runs.

Florida State got on board first in the top of the fourth. Sims surrendered a walk to Davis, who later stole second. When Alicart singled through the right side, Davis trotted in, putting FSU up 1-0.

But the Pack tied things up quickly. Smith took a two-out walk and then stole second with Presnell at the plate in the bottom half of the inning. Presnell then singled and Smith hustled in to knot the score at 1-1.

FSU threatened again in the top of the fifth as Carly Wynn and Michelle Snyder both collected back-to-back singles with one out. But Sims got Wootsen to pop up behind the plate, and then fanned Davis to end the inning.

Alicart blooped a single behind first base with one out in the top of the sixth. Two at-bats later, Whitney Buckmon hit a double to right-center, scoring Alicart from first and giving the ‘Noles a 2-1 advantage.

Florida State’s lead, however, would be short lived. Gober walked Chamberlin as the Pack started it’s half of the sixth and Ashleigh Davis came on to run in her place. Ervin then walked and was replaced by Beth Poore. Following a pop out by Sims, Smith crushed a three-run blast to straightway center, and the Pack took control for good 4-2.

Sims (8-3) collected the win with 11 strikeouts while giving up six hits. Terese Gober (4-2) picked up the loss, issuing four walks and four earned runs on three hits. Melissa May, who took control in the circle for the ‘Noles following Smith’s home run, allowed one hit against four batters.

“Abbie really gave us a solid pitching performance throughout the weekend,” said head coach Lisa Navas. “She did an excellent job and was really able to shut down Florida State’s hitters.

"Allison Presnell and Shanna Smith both gave us a huge boost offensively,” said Navas. “They each gave us excellent performances at the plate, coming through with clutch hits during important situations. I also felt like our defense stepped up and played very well against a tough opponent for three important games.”

NC State will now travel to Clearwater, Fla. to compete at the USF adidas Invitational, Thursday, March 8 - Sunday, March 11. On Thursday the Pack will take on Villanova at 11 a.m., before battling Mercer at 1 p.m. Live stats will be available throughout the tournament on GoPack.com.