Blue Raiders Drop Final Game of Series

Sunday, March 25

Murfreesboro, Tenn.

12:00 PM

Middle Tennessee

South Alabama

Photo by: Adam Braden

3/25/2007 1:44:00 PM | Softball

By: David Powell

MURFREESBRO, Tenn. - Lindsey Vander Lugt picked up her third decision of the weekend as the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (16-18, 5-4 SBC) dropped the deciding game of the series to the South Alabama Jaguars (18-12, 3-3 SBC) at Blue Raider Field on Sunday, 1-0. Blue Raider starter Vander Lugt (12-12) picked up the loss, giving up no earned runs and scattering seven hits, while striking out three and walking one. South Alabama quickly struck first in the top of the 1st inning when Tara Donaldson hit a ball into shallow center field, driving in Ashley Elmore and giving the Jaguars a 1-0 lead. It could have become more if not for a magnificent double play by last night's hero, Melissa Weiland. With one out, she fielded a ground ball, stepped back onto the third base for the force out and threw over to first to complete the double play. In the top of the 5th inning, Vander Lugt showed great concentration in turning a double play and getting the Blue Raiders out of the inning. With one out, she snagged a sharp ball for the first out and tossed it to first base for the third and final out. In the bottom half of the inning, Shelby Stiner hit a ball into shallow right field just beyond the out-stretched glove of the right fielder to break up the South Alabama no-hitter. Middle Tennessee was unable to get another hit the rest of the game as they dropped to 5-4 in Sun Belt Conference play. The Blue Raiders travel to Cookeville, Tenn. for a doubleheader against Tennessee Tech on Wednesday at 2 PM. MT next returns to Blue Raider Field for a doubleheader against in-state rivals Memphis on April 4th. The first game begins at 5 PM. Shelby Stiner was the 'GoBlueRaiders.com' player of the game, going 1-for-3.