Tulsa
Northern Iowa (Minnesota Metrodome Classic)
Golden Hurricane Softball Falls to Northern Iowa
2/12/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 12, 2005
Minneapolis, Minn. - The University of Tulsa scored first but could not hold on as Northern Iowa tied the contest in the top of the seventh, then scored the game winning run in the eighth inning with two outs. The Panthers defeated TU, 2-1, in the Hurricane's third consecutive game that came to the final at-bat. It was the fourth game of the season in which the contest was decided in the final inning.
Sophomore Julie Fennell struck out a career high 12 UNI batters in the lose, one strikeout away from tying the school record for strikeouts in a single game. The Valliant, Okla., native allowed only two walks while scattering six hits.
Senior Stephanie Sliepen recorded two of TU's four hits with a pair of singles. Freshman Sara Dyer and sophomore Julie Shafer also recorded singles. Senior Stacey Walkingstick improved her school record career stolen base percentage with two more steals. With four steals on the year, Walkingstick moved into a second-place tie for stolen bases in a career with 42. Her .961 career percentage, makes her the first TU player to record a stolen base percentage over .950.
The Hurricane scored in the fourth as Dyer led the inning off with a single to left centerfield. Following a fielder's choice by Lindsay Galloway, sophomore Angela Osbon reached on an error. The runners then advanced on a wild pitch. Galloway scored on a sacrifice fly by junior Julie Shafer.
Tulsa could not get timely hitting once again, as the Hurricane stranded seven runners. Six runners were left in scoring position, including three at third base.
The Hurricane (4-5) will conclude the 2005 Metrodome Classic with a 9 a.m. contest against Wisconsin-Green Bay. Northern Iowa (3-1) is one of three teams heading into the final day of the tournament with a 3-1 record, as Minnesota and Drake also share the same record.
