University of North Texas Athletics
Walker Homers In Loss To Golden Panthers
4/10/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
DENTON (4/10/05) - Junior Kelei Walker posted her first home run of the season in the Mean Green’s 4-1 loss to Florida International on Sunday afternoon at Denia Park. The North Texas softball team lost the first game of the doubleheader, 9-2.
The Mean Green (7-24, 0-4 Sun Belt) was swept for the second consecutive year by Florida International, who improves to 26-16 and 4-0 in the Sun Belt.
Walker’s home run in the bottom of the second brought North Texas within one run, 2-1, of FIU in the second game. The Mean Green had opportunities to gain the lead but left seven runners stranded. Seniors Mandy Hacker and Stephanie Cranmer posted back-to-back singles in the fourth and sixth innings but were left on base.
Freshman Kristina Fowler (5-11) took the loss in the second game. She pitched six innings and gave up three earned runs on eight hits. FIU’s Tiffany Ore earned her second win of the weekend, allowing one run on six hits while striking out eight batters.
The Mean Green led FIU in the first game, 2-1, before an eight-run sixth inning put the Golden Panthers ahead for good. Sophomore Monica Garcia posted her first career triple in the second inning, knocking in Danielle Rupp to put NT ahead, 1-0. Rupp went 2-for-3 in her first start since March 4. Sophomore Susan Waters led off the third inning with a home run to center field to put NT ahead for the second time, 2-1. Waters went 2-for-4 at the leadoff position.
North Texas returns to conference action on April 16 and 17 when it faces Middle Tennessee in Murfreesboro.
