University of Tulsa
Oklahoma
Softball Drops Decision to Oklahoma, 8-0
3/8/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 8, 2006
Tulsa, Okla. - The University of Oklahoma softball team (16-6-1), led by junior left fielder Norrelle Dickson's 3-for-3 night, jumped on The University of Tulsa (11-6) early and often as the Sooners downed the Golden Hurricane 8-0 in five innings Wednesday night at the Donna J. Hardesty Sports Complex on the campus of The University of Tulsa.
Dickson led the game off with a triple to left field and later scored on an RBI by fellow outfielder Amber Spaulding to give the Sooners a 1-0 first inning lead. The Dickson first inning run, along with a second inning two-run home run by third baseman Traci Dickenson gave the Sooners an early 3-0 advantage on the Golden Hurricane.
The Golden Hurricane managed to load the bases in the bottom of the first inning on a hit batsman, a late throw on a sacrifice bunt attempt and a walk. However, TU failed to score, stranding all three base runners.
The Golden Hurricane went down in order in the second and third innings before Sara Dyer managed to break the hitless streak for the Hurricane with rocket down the third baseline to lead off the fourth inning. Senior Julie Shafer then grounded into a double play to clear the bases and denting any hope of a fourth inning TU rally.
The Sooners managed to add two runs in the fourth, and three runs in the fifth, including a home run by Spaulding to deep left field with two outs in the top of the fourth inning, to give the Sooners an 8-0 advantage.
Oklahoma pitcher D.J. Mathis pitched five innings of shutout ball to earn her first shut out and third complete game of the season. She improved to 3-1 on the year by striking out five TU hitters and not allowing a walk. Tulsa's Maren Genow suffered the loss, striking out three Sooners, moving her to 6-2 on the year. Junior Julie Fennell relieved Genow in the fifth, striking out one batter and not allowing a run.
In addition to Dyer's hit, freshman Brooke Smart reached base twice by getting hit by a pitch. Junior Kelli McGlasson was also hit by a pitch in the contest.
Tulsa will travel to Florida for a weekend tournament at Florida State, Friday through Sunday. The Hurricane will then open Conference USA play on Tuesday, March 14 with a three game series at UCF in Orlando, Fla. TU will play the Golden Knights once on Tuesday and twice on Wednesday.
