Arkansas Tech opened its 2012 softball season by sweeping a non-conference doubleheader from the University of the Ozarks Lady Eagles at the Chartwells Women’s Sports Complex in Russellville on Wednesday.
The sweep was highlighted by a perfect game from Arkansas Tech freshman pitcher Victoria Huie in game two.
The Pottsville product struck out six and retired all 15 batters she faced as the Golden Suns defeated the Lady Eagles 23-0 in the nightcap, which was the first home night softball game in Arkansas Tech history. Lights were installed at the Chartwells Complex during the offseason.
Huie’s gem was the fourth perfect game in Golden Suns softball history. Dana Aldrich pitched two perfect games and Casey Hammons had one perfect game during their Arkansas Tech careers.
Mackenzie Powers led the Suns at the plate in game two by going 2-for-3 with four RBIs. Huie helped her own cause with a pair of doubles, three runs scored and two runs batted in. Maddie Roncketto drove in three runs. Macy Wiley, Siarra Gomez and Molly Edwards drove in two runs apiece.
Rachel Keeton pitched the Golden Suns to a 3-1 victory in her Arkansas Tech debut in game one.
The transfer from Calhoun Community College limited the University of the Ozarks to two hits over seven innings. Keeton (1-0) pitched six and one-third shutout innings before Heather Roberts got the Eagles on the board with a solo home run in the top of the seventh.
Keeton recovered to retire the next two Ozarks hitters and preserve the 3-1 victory.
The Golden Suns did all of their game one scoring in the bottom of the first inning. Hayley Hudson delivered an RBI single and later scored on a wild pitch to make it 2-0.
Maurie Lewis’ RBI double down the left field line with one out in the bottom of the first drove in what proved to be Arkansas Tech’s final run of the opener.
All three runs were charged to U of O starting pitcher Tabitha Porter, who took the loss. Amber Rollins worked five and two-third shutout innings for the Eagles. Rollins allowed just two hits.
The Golden Suns will visit Northeastern State in Tahlequah, Okla., for a non-conference doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11.
Click here to learn more about Arkansas Tech softball.
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