March 21, 2008

Final Stats

The Good Friday holiday was a great one for the Johnson C. Smith University Lady Golden Bulls as they improved to 4-4 overall, 4-0 in conference play with a doubleheader sweep over the Saint Augustine's College 8-0 and 11-0. The Lady Falcons dropped to 2-12 overall, 1-6 in league play.

"We are extremely proud of how we are continuing to get better," remarked head coach Jay Mai. "We just have to work hard and take it one game at a time."

Watanabe got the start again in game two. The third and fourth innings were extremely positive for the gold and blue scoring nine runs to take an 11-0 advantage. The freshman hurler was working on a no-hitter through four innings.

Brittany Simmons broke up Watanabe's no-hitter in the top of the fifth inning as she reached on base via her speed on a bunt. Her catcher (Nicole Villarreal) didn't let Simmons stay on base for long as she threw her out attempting to steal second. Watanabe retired the side on another strike-out, her seventh of the game and 14th on the day to take the victory.

"It feels great not only to win but to pitch two shut-outs," said freshman pitcher Allycia Watanabe (whose family flew in from Hawaii to support her). "It feels good to know that my defense was there to back me up. I hope we can continue to win."

Offensively, Watanabe led the attack going 4-for-5 on the day including a double and three stolen bases. Rashondae Henderson (Caruthersville, Md.) went 3-for-5 driving in four runs and stealing two bases.

JCSU moves to play Claflin on Monday, March 24, 2008. Game time is at 1 p.m. at Biddleville Park.