MOC softball takes doubleheader from Belmont Abbey

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on March 22, 2012 1:48 PM

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MOC Sports Information

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Mount Olive College softball team played perhaps the longest game in program history, and then needed just five additional innings to complete a doubleheader sweep of in-state Conference Carolinas foe Belmont Abbey on Wednesday afternoon.

Robbin Kennedy delivered a bases-loaded, walk-off single in the bottom of the 11th inning to lift the Trojans, 2-1, in the opener. Kalie Smith batted 3-for-3 with four RBI and Christie Wright crushed a two-run homer in a 12-1, mercy-rule victory in the nightcap at Nancy Chapman Cassell Field.

According to available program records, the longest game in MOC history was a 10-inning contest in April of 2008.

Tied at 1-all through 101/2 innings, Kayla Vorhees reached on a bunt single to put runners on the corners. Vorhees stole second and Danielle Mitchell drew an intentional walk to load the bases for Kennedy, who drilled a two-strike pitch to score Kassie Lowe for the game-ending run.

Lowe, by virtue of the international tie-breaker rule, started the inning at second base and moved to third on Vorhees' base knock -- her third hit of the game.

Sarah Saunders and Lauren Smith combined for a three-hitter inside the pitcher's circle. Smith earned her 11th decision of the season.

The Trojan women (18-12 overall) travel to Conference Carolinas foes Limestone (S.C.) College and Queens University-Charlotte on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. MOC is 7-3 in league play.