Moulden, Taylor Help Michigan Collar Mississippi State

Thursday, March 1

Starkville, Miss.

4:00 PM CT

Michigan

6-7

Mississippi State

9-9

Michigan

Mississippi State

Moulden, Taylor Help Michigan Collar Mississippi State

3/1/2001 12:00:00 AM | Softball

Box Score

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Melinda Moulden (LaCrescenta, Calif./Crescenta Valley HS) and Melissa Taylor (Petersburg, Mich./Summerfield HS) had three hits apiece to lead the No. 18-ranked University of Michigan softball team to a 3-1 victory at Mississippi State on Thursday (March 1). The game was originally scheduled for Tuesday (Feb. 27) but was postponed due to inclement weather.

Michigan (6-7) took the lead in the first inning. Moulden singled down the line and advanced to second after Rebecca Tune (Aloha, Ore./Jesuit HS) was hit by a pitch. Moulden later scored on a fielder's choice from Stefanie Volpe (Plymouth, Mich./Plymouth Salem HS). Mississippi State (9-9) tied the game in the second on an unearned run in the infield.

The Wolverines took the lead back for good in the fourth as Volpe led off the inning with a base hit through the left side, and went to second on a sacrifice bunt. Volpe scored U-M's second run as the Bulldogs defense gave up their own unearned run.

In the seventh, the Wolverines received an insurance run as Taylor singled to left-center and advance all the way to third on an error by the centerfielder. Moulden doubled in Taylor for her first RBI of the game.

Marie Barda (Darien, Ill./Hinsdale South HS) went the distance for the Maize and Blue, picking up her second straight win of the season. Barda gave up only three hits and added nine strikeouts on the afternoon.

Michigan takes the field tomorrow (Friday, March 2) for day one of the Alabama Crimson Classic in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The Wolverines will play Marshall (11 a.m. CST) and Evansville (1:30 p.m.) in pool play at the Alabama Softball Complex.

Contact: Rich Marion (734) 763-4423