BOONE, N.C. - Appalachian State (21-8, 9-1 SBC) took control of the weekend series early against South Alabama (11-19, 1-9 SBC).
In the five-hit, five-run game, App State took down the Jags 5-1 Friday night.
With the win, the Mountaineers improve their Sun Belt Conference record to 9-1, the most conference wins in program history since 2013.
Kenzie Longanecker got the win in the circle, continuing her unprecedented season with a record of 13-1. Longanecker finished the game with three strikeouts, one walk and only allowed four hits through all seven innings. She lowered her ERA to a now 1.86 ERA which is good for second in the Sun Belt.
Jenny Dodd reached base with a walk on her first at bat. With the walk, Dodd has reached base safely in 27 straight games. She has drawn 33 walks this season and continues her claim to first in walks in the Sun Belt and second in the nation.
The Mountaineers came ready to change the script from last season. After dropping the first two games of the series in 2018, taking game one was crucial for the Apps.
After
Sidney Russell reached on an error and made her way to third,
Ally Walters took the game into her own hands by sending a two RBI shot to center field, hitting the scoreboard and setting the tone for the game.
The Jags wouldn't go quietly though, responding quickly with a Brittani Reid solo shot of her own to left field.
The Mountaineer defense would step up and prevent South Alabama from scoring anymore. Longanecker retired the side in three-straight batters three times throughout the game.
In the fifth inning, Walters and
Megan Walker each had a single of their own. Walters managed her way around the bases to bring in the third run for the Mountaineers, making the score 3-1.
Haley Stewart would start the sixth inning with a single, her first hit of the game and fourth straight game with a hit.
Sidney Russell managed a walk while
Mary Pierce Barnes hit a single to right field. Walters would reach on a fielder's choice scoring Russell and pinch runner
Laura Sales thanks to an overthrow by the Jags pitcher.
Longanecker would allow only one hit in the seventh inning, finishing the game and securing game one.
"What a great team win," head coach
Shelly Hoerner said. "When you pitch well, play great defense and have timely hitting, most often you come out on top. I'm proud of our team first mentality!"
The Mountaineers, who are sponsored by AutoStar Nissan, are set to play game two on Saturday, March 30. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.
