NORTON TWIRLS ONE-HIT GEM; SOFTBALL TAKES TWO BY ONE RUN

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RADFORD, Va. –Freshman Emily Norton twirled a one-hit gem against Binghamton and senior Vicki Madden went 3-for-3 versus Lehigh as Radford won a pair of one-run nailbiters and swept day 2 of the RU Invitational, Sunday afternoon from RU Softball Field.

The Highlanders (12-8) edged the Bearcats, 1-0 and the Mountain Hawks, 4-3, to complete a perfect 4-0 weekend in their first home games of 2012.

Norton, Madden, junior Jackie Jenkins and junior Ryndee Ruch were named to the all-tournament team and Jenkins was tabbed the Most Valuable Player for her two complete-game victories, including a five-hit shutout yesterday.

Against BU, Norton (1-3) struck out six, did not walk a batter, and after a one-out triple in the second, she retired the final 17 Bearcats to earn her first collegiate victory and shutout. Her first basman sophomore Jessie Hutchens knocked in the lone run in the sixth as Radford won the pitcher's dual, 1-0.

Hutchens helped Norton out by lacing a two-out RBI single to center in the bottom of the sixth. The base knock plated freshman Micalah Sacre for the only score of the game. Sacre beat out a chopper to short with one out and moved to second on a wild throw to first.

Norton's only trouble was after the three-bagger in the second. She bore down and induced a popup to short and ended the threat with a punch out of Jessica Bump.

Norton's counterpart Demi Laney held the Highlanders to three hits through five innings, but was replaced to start the sixth by Kate Price. Laney was stuck with the no decision after striking out three and not walking a batter, while Price suffered the defeat after allowing an unearned run on two hits in one frame of work.

Madden went 3-for-3 with a double and run scored as Radford edged Lehigh, 4-3 in the final game of the invitational and recorded a perfect 4-0 record on the weekend.

The Highlanders grabbed a 3-2 lead after two innings of play. After a two-run home run by Lehigh's Jennifer Colquhoun, Radford got one back in the bottom half of the frame on a RBI single off the wall in center by Michelle Beall.

They would take the lead for good with two runs in the second, on a RBI fielder's choice by senior Hannah Ojeda and a sac fly to left by senior Nichole Beall.

Radford would add a much needed insurance run on a pinch-hit RBI single by senior Meredith Moore with two outs in the bottom of the sixth.

Lehigh would make it a one-run game on a solo home run by Emma Capetz with one out in the 7^th, but Jenkins after a bunt single induced a pair of groudouts to secure the win.

Jenkins earned her second straight complete game victory, scattering nine hits with one walk and one strikeout to improve to 4-2. Michelle Beall was 2-for-3 at the plate for the Highlanders.

Capetz, Liz Lucas and Rosie Roessell each had two hits for the Mountain Hawks. Rebecca Bliss suffered the complete game loss. She also surrendered nine hits with one walk.

Radford will open up Big South play on Wednesday, March 21 at 2011 league tournament champion Liberty. The single game is scheduled for 4 p.m.

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