THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, February 8, 1997 TAG: 9702080648
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: CHARLESTON, S.C. LENGTH: 29 lines
Shawn Pearson made a big impression in his debut as an Old Dominion outfielder, going 5 for 6 with four runs scored as the Monarchs won their season opener 16-10 over Western Carolina in the first day of the ARAMARK Colonial-Southern Challenge.
The freshman centerfielder produced a home run, two triples and a double and drove in two runs.
Joe Trolio - another freshman outfielder - went 3 for 6 with 4 RBI, while shortstop Tony Gsell added a home run, scored three runs and drove in four on 4 for 5 hitting. All eight position players got at least one hit for the Monarchs.
J.P. Burwell went 3 for 5 with 3 RBI to lead the Catamounts (2-2).
Jesse James allowed six earned runs over five innings but still picked up the win. Brian Ross pitched four innings of three-hit ball with two earned runs to pick up the save. Chris Davidson was ripped for seven runs - six earned - over 2 1/3 innings to drop to 0-2 on the season.
The Monarchs play host The Citadel today at 1:30 p.m.
In the tournament's other game, Virginia Commonwealth defeated Appalachian State 9-8 in 10 innings. The Colonial-Southern Challenge pairs three CAA teams (ODU, VCU, East Carolina) with three Southern Conference squads (Western Carolina, The Citadel, Appalachian State).