By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Gabby LaSala hit two home runs, driving in four runs as the Tennessee Tech softball team picked up its first win of the season, knocking off host Chattanooga in the Chattanooga Challenge sponsored by Ruby Falls on Friday.
The Golden Eagles (1-6) dropped the earlier game, a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Kennesaw State.
But in the nightcap, Tech's offense came though. Bolstered by LaSala's effort, the Golden Eagles were able to collect seven runs on 11 hits, including three home runs – the other one off the bat of Kelly Kennedy.
Gabby Perez also had a solid night at the plate in the game, going 3-for-4, while Hallie Davis, LaSala and Kennedy each had two safeties.
The offense allowed Taylor Waldrop (1-1) to pick up her first win of the season in the circle as she worked 4 1/3 innings, allowing four runs – three earned – on six hits as she walked one and struck out two. Leigh Ellen Thomas pitched the final 2 2/3 frames in relief, allowing two runs on three hits.
Aly Walker drove in three runs for Chattanooga (3-4) as she was 2-for-4 from the plate.
Alex Connell took the loss, allowing five runs – four earned – in 2 2/3 innings as she walked two and struck out one.
The Golden Eagles took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first as Perez scored on a Davis double to left. Chattanooga took the advantage with a two-run bottom of the second.
Tech, however, countered in the top of the third with a four-run inning. Jessie Lowery, after stealing third, came home on a throwing error, then LaSala hit a two-run shot, followed by a solo homer for Kennedy.
The Golden Eagles added two more runs in the fifth as LaSala homered again, bringing Davis around to score as well.
Against Kennesaw State, the Golden Eagles were held to two hits with Kennedy and Perez reaching safely.
Danielle Liberatore (0-3) took the loss, allowing three runs on eight hits in six innings of work. She walked none and struck out four.
Logan Viers (W, 3-1) was credited with the win, striking out six in the effort.
Tech returns to action on Saturday as it takes on Radford at 12:30 p.m., followed by a contest against UConn at 3 p.m.
Photo by Frank Mattia, Chattanooga
