University of Tulsa
Centenary
Softball Sweeps Centenary in Non-Conference Doubleheader
4/14/2002 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 14, 2002
Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score
Tulsa, Okla. - The University of Tulsa swept the Ladies of Centenary in a non-conference doubleheader, 5-4 and 6-0, at the Donna J. Hardesty Sports Complex on Saturday evening. Both games came with exciting endings, with a come-from-behind victory and a near no-hitter.
Centenary exploded in the fourth inning with six consecutive singles that produced four runs. Rightfielder Jessica Haas started the hit barrage with a single to center field with a one out. With the bases loaded and one run already in, pitch hitter Brooke Ponder singled to center field to score two more runs. The hits kept coming for the Ladies when senior Jenny Magill entered the game. Second baseman Jordan Lansdale singled to center field then stole second base. Magill was able to record a pair of strikeouts to end the inning. In total, Centenary picked up four runs off six hits and one TU error.
The game remained that way until the bottom of the sixth inning, when TU had an explosion of its own. Freshman Holly Reynolds reached on a throwing error by the third baseman then advanced to second on the over throw. A single by sophomore Heather Hiar gave the Hurricane two baserunners. Freshman Stacey Walkingstick singled to score Reynolds. The run ignited a five-run inning for the Hurricane.
Following a pitching change, junior Danielle Olsen laid down a perfect drag bunt to load the bases. Crissy Strimple singled to the shortstop to score a run and keep the bases loaded. A Jessie Smith ground out scored Walkingstick. Stephanie Sliepen singled to centerfield that scored Olsen to tie the game. Strimple was thrown out at home on a terrific throw from the centerfielder. Brandi McGuire tripled to right field to score Sliepen with the go-ahead run.
After holding Centenary scoreless in the seventh inning, Tulsa recorded its ninth come-from-behind victory of the season. Magill picked up her 14th victory of the season to break the school record for wins in a single season.
While the second game was TU's 20 shutout of the season, it was just as exciting. Freshman Ami Day had a no-hitter through 6.2 innings, as an infield single broke up Day's bid for a no-no. Day recorded eight strikeouts for her fifth shutout and 16th complete game of the season.
Offensively, Tulsa picked up where it left off as the Hurricane scored three runs in the first inning off one hit and one Centenary error. With two outs, Olsen sent only her second triple of her career down the right field line. With the bases loaded following a pair of walks, Hiar reached first base safely as the shortstop bobbled her ground ball. The error cleared the bases as the throw to first went into right field.
The victories raised the Golden Hurricane's record to 36-10, while Centenary falls to 16-30. The win also improved Day's record to 14-4, tying Magill for the most wins in a single season at TU.
Tulsa will host Wichita State on Tuesday before returning to WAC play on Thursday at Loyola Marymount. Tuesday's doubleheader with Wichita State will also include special ceremonies dedicating the new softball field at the Donna J. Hardesty Sports Complex. The festivities will include a ceremonial first pitch with many of the dignitaries responsible for the field being built, as well as comments from current TU players. A barbecue will also be served from 4-6:30 p.m. The dedication ceremonies should begin at approximately 4:30 p.m.
