May 9, 1999
EVANSTON, Ill. The Purdue softball team (30-26, 9-14 Big Ten) couldn't have made it more dramatic. The Boilermakers waited until their last at-bats on Sunday to rally for three runs in a 3-1 come-from-behind victory over Northwestern. Purdue recorded its 30th win of the year in the emotional triumph, which was also the final game of the 1999 season for both teams.
"What a great rally in the seventh," head coach Carol Bruggeman said. "That was a great way for us to finish the season, especially for the six seniors. To win 30 games in a season is a major accomplishment."
With a 1-0 lead going into the seventh, it looked as though Northwestern senior Jenni Beseres (4-9) would end her career with a memorable shutout. However, Purdue's seniors had other ideas. After three of the first four batters reached on walks, Beseres was pulled in favor of sophomore Brooke Siebel. Purdue senior Sam Mercier was the first batter to face Siebel and she earned another walk to tie the game, scoring senior Jenny Barnett. Senior Denise Szany followed with an RBI-double to left scoring sophomore Keely Povlitz for what proved to be the game-winning run. Mercier later scored on a wild pitch to make the final 3-1.
Junior pitcher Crystal Inman (3-1) was the winning pitcher after throwing 6 2/3 scoreless innings of relief. Nicole Crouse started on the mound, but left in the first with a sore shoulder. Inman responded in relief, allowing two hits, while striking out four for the victory.
Northwestern opened the scoring in the bottom of the first, when Tami Jones scored from third on a delayed steal by the runner on first. Jones, who started the inning with a double, broke for home as soon as the throw went through to second base.
Purdue will now hold its annual awards banquet at the University Inn in West Lafayette on May 10.