GREENSBORO - Seniors
Lillian Bullock and
Jessie Larson made their final game at the Lady Aggies Softball Complex one to remember. Larson's hit led to the game-winning run that was scored by Bullock in a 6-5 win over Norfolk State Sunday afternoon.
Bullock, who will finish at the school's all-time leader in home runs, went 2-for-2 with two runs scored and an RBI. Larson, who has several heroic moments this season, had a 2-for-4 day with three RBIs and a run scored.
The senior duo who grew up thousands of miles from Greensboro, made their impact felt again during the seventh inning of Sunday's game. The Aggies trailed 5-3 going into the final inning of regulation. A triple by freshman Hope Fletcher put the Aggies to within one as senior Yahamma White scored.
Bullock stepped up and singled to left to tie the game as Fletcher scored. The most clutch player for the Aggies this season - Larson - stepped to the plate and promptly singled an 0-1 pitch to right field. A hustling Bullock advanced to second and then forced the issue by attempting to take third.
Her effort drew a throw from Spartan right fielder Sarah Spanka. The throw was an errant one, allowing Bullock to score the game-winner to end the game. Bullock's extra effort helped the Aggies (25-22) win their seventh straight. The Aggies also improved to 7-1 in the MEAC's Southern division.
A&T's win streak was kept in place because the team fought back all afternoon. After falling down 3-0 in the first inning, Larson's two-run RBI triple brought the Aggies to within one in the third. Two batters later, junior Ryanne Hill singled to left field to tie the game at 3.
Junior Jennifer Luper came in for a strong relief effort. She pitched six innings and struck out three. But the Spartans were able to score two runs off of Luper. Danielle Wright's RBI double in the seventh put the Spartans ahead 5-3, setting the stage for the seniors' heroics.
Luper picked up the win to improve to 14-10. If the Aggies are successful in a three-game series at Bethune-Cookman next weekend, they could wrap up the top seed from the South going into the MEAC Tournament scheduled for May 13-15.
