Published: April 25, 2008 02:30 pm         

Big inning leads MSU softball

Senior Allie Honkofsky hit a three-run homer in game two, senior pitcher Kari Quinn tossed a three-hitter in game one, and junior Bri Jones totaled five hits in Morehead State's doubleheader sweep of IUPUI Wednesday. The Eagles used a pair of four-run innings in both games to take the twinbill, 5-2 and 4-0. MSU is now 29-12 in 2008.

With the two wins, MSU sits just four games away from setting a school record for season wins. The 1991 team won 32 games. IUPUI fell to 9-26.

In the opener, Quinn took a no-hitter into the fifth inning. A two-run homer by Mandy Buckwalter spoiled that effort, but she hung on to record the complete game win and improved to 10-5.

The Eagles didn't waste any time taking a lead as they plated four runs in the bottom of the first frame. Senior Brandy Bucher had an RBI double for the first score, and sophomore Bianca Cardenas drove in a run with a single. Ashley Archer followed three batters later with a two-run single for the 4-0 lead off IUPUI starter Lea Corcoran - who only lasted one inning.

MSU got another run on the board in the second inning. Jones singled to lead off and Quinn reached on a fielding error. A few batters later and a couple of fielder's choice outs later, Cardenas picked up her second RBI via a bases-loaded walk.

Jones and Bucher were both 2-for-4 at the plate in game one. Stacy Harte had two of the Jaguars' three hits. Corcoran dropped to 0-4 this season.

In the nightcap, the Eagles got off to a little bit slower start, but the offense came alive in the fourth as they scored all four of their runs with two outs.

With one out, Cardenas singled and was lifted for pinch runner Jessica Pierce. Quinn flied to left center for the second out, but sophomore Bethany Ellis crushed her first double of the year to the wall in center field. Honkofsky, who entered the game with only two career homers, nailed a 3-1 pitch from Jaguar pitcher Jessica McGown over the fence in left centerfield. The Eagles weren't finished scoring though. Ashley Archer singled and took second on a steal, and Jones ripped an RBI single to right center on a 1-2 pitch.

MSU starter Sarah Funston tossed the first four innings and moved to 5-2 on the year. She gave up only four hits and had five strikeouts. Sophomore pitcher Alex Gjeve didn't allow a hit over the final three innings and recorded gher second career save. McGown dipped to 3-10 with the loss.

Jones was 3-for-4, while Honkofsky and Courtney Seiler each had a pair of hits as well in the second contest.

MSU stays at home this weekend when Eastern Illinois visits for a three-game OVC series. Saturday's (April 26) doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.