JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville State softball team shutout a hot Western Kentucky squad on Wednesday afternoon at University Field, behind a pitching gem from junior Whitney Gillespie.
 
The Gamecocks (16-7) took a non-conference home win for the second straight day as they put an end to WKU's five-game win streak. The Hilltoppers (17-10) managed just three hits and didn't see a baserunner reach scoring position until the sixth inning.
 
In her shutout performance, Gillespie struck out 10 on her way to silencing the WKU bats. She sat two down to open things in the first, and the only baserunner for the visitors in the second came courtesy one of Gillespie's three walks. After allowing a single to begin the third, the Pelham, Ala., product retired the side via K's.
 
JSU's offense received a spark in the bottom half of the third as Anna Chisolm's sixth home run of the season brought home Emily Woodruff who doubled one at-bat earlier for a 2-0 advantage. The following two frames remained quier until the Hilltoppers made their strongest threat of the day in the top of the sixth.
 
WKU's Tommi Stowers walked on four straight balls to begin the inning. She advanced to second on a groundout and the Hilltoppers soon had second and third after a double by Brittany Vaughn. Gillespie responded with another strikeout and the Gamecock defense held for a 4-3 putout to preserve the two-run lead.
 
The Gamecocks busted out four big runs in the bottom all with two outs after the furst two batters were quickly retired. Stephanie Lewis doubled up the center and moved to third on Alexus Jimmerson's double to left on the next pitch. Hayley Sims entered for a pinch-hit infield single which brought home Lewis. Jimmerson came home on Taylor Rodgers' following double. Rodgers and Sims crossed the plate to make it a 6-0 contest as Woodruff singled to center.
 
A heads up double play by Chisolm at second made th final frame just a little easier for the Gamecocks as WKU was held in check on final time.
 
The Gamecocks make the short trip over to Kennesaw, Ga., on Saturday for a double header against Kennesaw State beginning at noon. JSU will be back at University Field the following Saturday, Mar. 25, to open Ohio Valley Conference play against UT Martin.