Bulldogs knock off Wilson Fike, 5-1

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on March 16, 2011 1:47 PM

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PRINCETON -- Princeton got off to a hot start and never looked back in a 5-1, non-conference softball win over Wilson Fike on Tuesday afternoon.

The Dawgs pushed across runs in two of the first three innings and held serve behind star pitcher Traci Bridgers.

"I thought we played a pretty good game as a whole," said Princeton head coach Terry Braswell. "I was a little disappointed with our bats as the game went on, but we beat a good team tonight and that is what matters."

The Bulldawgs scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning.

Megan Gerrell reached on an infield hit and stole second base. Savanna Massengill reached on an error and Gerrell scored on an overthrow. Bridgers drove in Massengill with an RBI groundout.

Princeton came through with three additional runs in the bottom of the third inning.

Gerrell drew a lead-off walk, Massengill singled and Nicole Melvin loaded the bases by taking a walk. Hannah Woodard plated two runs with a base hit. Katlyn Peeding drew a walk to load the bases yet again and Ashleigh Myers forced in a run when she met the same fate.

Staked to a 5-0 lead, Bridgers took care of the rest of the work.

The talented right-hander carried a no-hitter into the fourth inning and faced the minimum number of batters until the top of the sixth. Fike avoided the shutout when Haley Skinner delivered the team's second hit and later scored on an error.

"Traci was solid all night, but I could tell she was getting a little tired over the last inning or two," said Braswell. "She is still working her way into game shape, but she was able to get some big outs and preserve the win."

Bridgers allowed three hits and struck out eight Golden Demon batters.

Princeton (2-1 overall) entertains Midway on Thursday.