Date Posted: 5/19/2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Freshman Brittany Chalk's two-run home run in the top of the sixth inning snapped a scoreless tie and lifted Texas to a 2-0 victory over Stetson With the loss, the Hatters were eliminated from their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance and finished the 2007 season with a 44-22 record.

"First, let me say I am thrilled my players had the experience to participate in this tournament," Stetson coach Frank Griffin said. "This was a first for us, and I know we will learn from it and grow from it."

Stetson starter and freshman Amanda Lindsey held the Longhorns (34-19) in check throughout most of the game. Texas put runners in scoring position in each of the first four innings, including two first-and-second, no-out situations, but Lindsey pitched out of trouble each time.

It wasn't until the sixth inning when Texas finally broke through. After a lead-off double by Tallie Thrasher, Chalk hit an 0-2 pitch over the left field fence for the only runs of the game.

"Amanda did just an outstanding job," Griffin said. "She just made one mistake on an 0-2 count, but she too will learn a lot from this. She has a very bright future."

Lindsey (9-5) finished the game with eight strikeouts, one off her season high.

Meanwhile, Texas starter Meagan Denny (21-15) retired the first 12 batters she faced before Lindsay Wightman singled to lead-off the fifth. Denny struck out 11 batters through six innings, but was lifted in the seventh when Migliori hit a lead-off single to right field. Wightman greeted reliever Erin Tresselt with her second hit, a single to left, putting the tying runs on base. But Tresselt worked out the jam behind a pop up and a double play to preserve the victory.

"[Denny] is a very good pitcher," Wightman said. "She threw heat, she had a good curve ball and a good rise ball. We gave it our all, and you just have to tip your cap to them."

The loss ended a quality season for Stetson that saw the Hatters surpass 40 wins for the fourth time in school history and capture the Atlantic Sun Conference title.

"I am really pleased with the accomplishments of our team this year," Griffin said. "It was a great year, considering we had to replace eight seniors from last year, including our starting catcher, third baseman, shortstop, and center fielder. Our seniors and our captains did an outstanding job getting us here."

The two seniors Stetson will have to replace for 2008 are Sherrel Fountain and Heather Colding. Fountain finished her two-year career among the school leaders in batting average, triples, and stolen bases. Colding completed her four-year career among the all-time leaders in wins, ERA, strikeouts, and innings pitched.

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