After wrapping up its fourth consecutive Southern Conference title by winning both games of a doubleheader on Saturday, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga softball team was somewhat flat Sunday. The Lady Mocs lost 3-0 to UNC Greensboro to wrap up a three-game series in Greensboro, N.C.
UTC (37-14, 17-4 SoCon) could only manage four hits against UNCG pitcher Amber Harrell and stranded seven baserunners, including leaving the bases loaded in the top of the seventh inning when Lyndsey Stiles fouled out to end the game.
UTC coach Frank Reed said the effort was there and he's not concerned as the Lady Mocs prepare to host the four-team Southern Conference tournament May 13-14. UTC earned the right to host the tournament because they are the regular season champion.
"You don't want to say that you are not going to play hard because you won the conference yesterday," Reed said. "Maybe it was a little bit of a letdown, but I am not too worried about it. A couple of pitchers had an opportunity to throw."
Brooke Loudermilk started for UTC and ran into trouble in the third inning when she walked the first two batters she faced and was relieved by Kandice Irwin. Irwin got the first two outs on fielder's choices without allowing a run and appeared close to working out of a bases-loaded jam when UNCG catcher Whitney Sirois cleared the bases with a three-run double down the first base line.
After hitting a home run in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader, shortstop Jessica Traxler continued her good weekend at the plate going 2-for-3 in the series finale.
"Well, I have been in a slump for quite a while and I think the home run (Saturday) boosted my confidence and helped me to regain my confidence," Traxler said. "I did carry it over. I was trying to do anything that I could to help my team."
UTC returns home to wrap up the regular season this weekend with a three-game series against College of Charleston on Saturday and Sunday and Jim Frost Stadium. Five UTC seniors will be honored as they prepare to end their college careers, and Reed said he is looking forward to building momentum heading into the conference tournament.
"We want to win those games, which should be an incentive going into the tournament," Reed said. "It is always good to be home, when you know you have sewn up the conference. It will be senior day, and those seniors have had a lot to be proud of winning their fourth (conference championship), which is pretty special.