Southern Illinois University
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Mississippi St
Softball Rallies in Seventh Inning to Stun Mississippi State
02/15/2002 | 12:00:00 | Softball
Feb. 15, 2002
Starkville, Miss. - Elissa Hopkins hit a two-run homer with two out in the top of the seventh to lead Southern Illinois (2-0) to a 2-0 win over host Mississippi State (4-1) earlier this afternoon at the Bulldog Classic. The loss marked the Bulldogs' first of the season after having knocked off No. 1 Arizona and No. 17 Southwest Texas State earlier this year.
Both teams battled to a 0-0 tie through six full innings before Maria Damico singled to lead off the top of the seventh.
With one on, Katie Jordan layed down a sacrifice bunt to move Damico to second who would later advance to third on an error by Bulldog catcher Blaire Brown.
Following a Jen Guenther strikeout, Hopkins was called to pinch hit for Kelly Creek. Even at 2-2 in the count, Hopkins dug in and sent Kasey Whitehead's third delivery deep over the left field wall.
Freshman Amy Harre (1-0) picked up her first collegiate win on the mound striking out six batters in seven innings pitched.
After the game, head coach Kerri Blaylock spoke of the team's stunning day.
"They way exceeded my expectations on the first day of the tournament," said Blaylock. "If we continue to play this way, we'll be a pretty good team. Consistency is what I'm looking for."
The Salukis will return to action in the Bulldog Classic tomorrow with a pair of games against Mississippi State (10 a.m.) and Colorado State (4 p.m.).
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