The softball team shut out Furman in two games to improve their winning streak to five, making their overall record 15-21. They won the first game 9-0 and the second 7-0.
The winning pitchers were senior Whitney Humphreys (7-11) and freshman Emily Schreck (3-0) for the first and second games, respectively. Humphreys dominated the Paladins, striking out seven while only allowing three hits. Schreck also kept Furman at bay, allowing only two hits in her outing
Junior Blaire Shimandle helped anchor the offense, going 5-for-5 in the pair of games. She also stole five bases and scored three runs.
The offensive output of the first game began in the fourth inning, when junior Whitney Haller led with a single and advanced to second with a sacrafice. Haller came home for the only run Tech needed after senior Becky McCraw was able to single into centerfield.
The Jackets only added to their lead that inning, scoring two more runs. Freshman Christy Jones was able to bat in another run and freshman Jessica Weaver, after getting to the base on a walk, was able to score after a RBI by Stephanie Butler brought her in.
The Jackets continued their defensive and offensive efficiency in the second game. Tech struck in the bottom of the first inning, driving in two runs for a sufficient lead.
The runs started with Shimandle, who got on base after a single, but advanced on stolen bases and eventually came home on a RBI.
Senior Brittany Barnes helped keep Tech’s offensive momentum going, hitting two more RBI’s.
The Jackets continued to pile on the runs, scoring throughout the match. Three more runs were scored during the fifth inning, stretching the lead to six. Because of the mercy rule, Tech won and the game was just five innings long.
The Jackets will next play No. 19 North Carolina on the road, a series that will have Tech playing a ranked team for only the second time this season. They played then-No. 2 Alabama earlier this year, dropping all three games to the Tide.