University of Tulsa
Louisiana-Monroe
Softball Shines in Embassy Suites-Tulsa Invitational
3/7/2003 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 7, 2003
Tulsa, Okla. -
The University of Tulsa softball team picked up a pair of much-needed victories as it opened its home schedule on Friday night at the Donna J. Hardesty Sports Complex. The Golden Hurricane defeated Portland State (3-0) and Louisiana-Monroe (6-1) to conclude the first day of the Embassy Suites-Tulsa Invitational.
Tulsa got all the runs it would need against Portland State in the first inning. Senior Crissy Strimple blasted her fifth home run of the season, good for three RBI, to give TU the early lead. The Hurricane also chased the PSU starting pitcher after only one out in the first inning, marking the shortest start for a TU opponent this season.
Strimple was one of four Hurricane players to record a hit. Junior Heather Hiar posted two hits for TU, while sophomore Stephanie Sliepen and senior Brandi McGuire contributed one hit apeice.
Freshman Maren Genow recorded her seventh victory in eight decisions, with a seven-inning, complete-game performance. Genow struck out six Viking batters, while scattering six hits and not allowing a walk.
Tulsa also used a big inning to break open a 0-0 game with ULM. The Hurricane scored three runs in the top of the third to break the scoreless tie, and never looked back. Hiar continued her hot hitting with a 3-for-4 performance against the Lady Indians, while senior Danielle Olsen, freshman Kelly Miller and Strimple also contributed two hits apeice to the cause. Sophomores Stacy Walkingstick and Holly Reynolds also posted one hit each.
Fellow sophomore Ami Day improved her record to 3-4 on the season, with the complete-game victory. Day struck out five Lady Indians in seven innings of work with zero walks.
The invitational continues on Saturday, as Bradley and Creighton get things started at 9 a.m. ULM will face the Bluejays at 11 a.m., before taking on PSU at 1 p.m. Bradley will face the Golden Hurricane at 3 p.m. The Cyclones of Iowa State will face Portland State at 5 p.m., setting up the nightcap game with Tulsa at 7 p.m.
