Van Vlymen wins 100th game; Leathernecks defeat Golden Eagles, 14-0

WOODSTOCK, Ga.- Western Illinois head coach Holly Van Vlymen won her 100th game at the helm of the program in the Fighting Leathernecks' 14-0 win over Tennessee Tech on Saturday morning.

“Western softball is my passion,” said Van Vlymen. “I bleed purple and gold and I love coaching this team and this program. It's great to be out here doing what you love and its just a lot of fun.”

The Leathernecks (6-2) started the first inning by scoring six runs on six hits to take an early lead. The first three runs were scored on an RBI double by Lauren Furgala and a two-RBI single by Ashley Campbell. After a Golden Eagle (0-3) pitching change, Western scored three more runs on an RBI single by Erin Schlotfeldt and a two-RBI single by Colleen Biebel.

In the bottom of the second, Western pushed three more runs across the plate on a home run by Campbell, another RBI single by Schlotfedlt and a RBI double by Nikki Marinec to make the score 9-0.

“The big lead is a big confidence booster early on but you can't just assume you're going to win,” said pitcher Kamren Ferguson. “We played hard all game long and that paid off for us today.”

Two more runs scored in the bottom of the third on a two-RBI double by Campbell, giving the Leathernecks an 11-0 advantage. Biebel, Sandy Moore and Michelle Prieto all scored a run in the bottom of the fourth to give Western a 14-0 lead.

“I am really proud of our team,” said Van Vlymen. “I challenged them today to score each inning because we've had some offensive droughts at times this year and they rose to that challenge today on offense.”

Campbell paced the team from the plate, going 3-for-4 with five RBI. The sophomore scored two runs and was a triple shy of recording a cycle. Furgala and Schlotfeldt both added three hits while Beth Golitko, Jamie Goss and Marinec all added two. 10 Leathernecks scored a run in the contest, led by Campbell, Furgala, Golitko and Goss who all scored two each. Six Western batters also collected a RBI in the victory.

“This was a really great team effort today,” said Campbell. “Everyone did their jobs, had good at-bats and it was just a great all-around effort from everyone in the lineup.”

Ferguson (3-2) picked up the win from the circle, throwing a no hitter and tossing her second-consecutive shutout. The Clinton, Ill., native struck out four batters and didn't allow a walk in the five-inning performance. The no hitter is also the first of the sixth-year senior's career.

“I have to give credit to my defense,” said Ferguson. “They did a great job behind me making solid plays. I have a lot of confidence out there because of the way my teammates play defense.”

Western returns to action at 4:30 p.m. (CT) against Middle Tennessee State in the Leathernecks' fourth game of the Phyllis Rafter Memorial Tournament.

This game can be heard live for free via RockyVison on www.GoLeathernecks.com by clicking here.

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