University of Houston Athletics
C-USA Play Begins On The Road In Charlotte
3/17/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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March 17, 2005
HOUSTON - The 2005 Conference USA softball season begins for the University of Houston as the Cougars head to Charlotte, N.C., for a matchup with the Charlotte 49ers this Saturday and Sunday.
After hosting 24 straight home games, the Cougars (15-12, 0-0) head out on the road for just the second time this season. Houston began 2005 in Austin with a three-game series against the Longhorns.
Charlotte (10-15-1, 1-2) began C-USA play with a series against Southern Miss where the 49ers claimed Game 1 of a doubleheader, but went on to drop the next two games in the series.
With an 0-3 record on the road this season, Houston will be looking to extend its all-time lead against Charlotte where the Cougars hold a 7-5 advantage.
Last season, bad weather forced the cancellation of the first day of games, causing the teams to play a two-game series instead of the typical three-game conference stand.
In those games, the Cougars and 49ers came away with a 1-1 split after Houston took Game 1 of the doubleheader in 8-1 fashion, before falling in a tight 4-3 Game 2 loss.
The Cougars roll into Charlotte with a two-game winning streak after claiming a pair of wins over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Monday. In those games, Houston allowed a combined one hit, after freshman Angel Shamblin turned in the first perfect game in Cougar Softball history.
Charlotte is coming off a 1-1 split with Miami (OH) last weekend where the 49ers fell 5-2 in Game 1, only to bounce back with a 4-3 nine-inning win in Game 2.
Leading the 49ers is 1B Kristi Killough, whose .306 average, 26 hits, seven 2B, two 3B, and 13 RBI are all tops for the 49ers.
Carrying most of the pitching duties this season has been Kristen Bowen with a 2.59 ERA in 108 innings. Bowen has surrendered 40 earned runs, 43 walks, and 111 hits while striking out 79 batters.
The Cougars and 49ers get underway with a twin bill beginning on Saturday, March 19, at noon (EDT) and 2 p.m. (EDT) with Sunday's matchup scheduled for an 11 a.m. (EDT) start.
