March 24, 2006

Itta Bena, MS -- The much anticipated match-up between the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes and Southern University Lady Jaguars softball teams was not a let down as the two teams split a double header in which both games went into extra innings.

In game one MVSU pinch runner Danielle Burns scored the game-winning run on an error by Southern catcher Brittany Richardson. Both teams rode the arms of their pitchers, Jalana Brown (MVSU) and Jamila Taylor (SU) would each go the distance as Valley claimed a 1-0 victory in 10-innings.

Valley right fielder Balencia Young had the big day at the plate belting out three of the Devilettes four hits. Lady Jaguars Samisha Bledsoe collected two hits in the game to lead SU.

Game two proved to have a more offensive flair as Southern escaped with a 5-4 win in eight innings. Lady Jaguars' first baseman Candice Stevens led off the top of the eighth with a single and would eventually score the game-winning run when Tiffany Darville grounded out to the pitcher with one out in the inning. Valerie Johnson led off the Devilettes eighth with a single. However, Valley failed to take advantage of the base runner as Taylor, who entered the game in the eighth inning, retired the next three batters to seal the victory.

Darville had the big game at the plate going two-for-three with two runs scored and an RBI. Taylor and Courtney Chappell added two hits each for the Lady Jaguars. Valley's Megan Hays had a big night going three-for-four at the plate with three RBI's.

Valley and Southern will meet up again tomorrow as they finish up the four game weekend season with another double header beginning at noon.