Feb. 10, 2001
AUBURN, Ala. - The Purdue softball team improved its record to 2-1 this morning when it defeated Northern Illinois, 2-1, in the first game of day two at the Jameson Inn Tiger Invitational. The Huskies fell to 0-3 on the year and Purdue's Leighann Burke, a sophomore, improved her record on the mound to 2-0.
"This morning was another great defensive effort both on the mound and in the field," said Purdue head coach Carol Bruggeman. "I think we continue to do a great job of shutting down the other team when it's needed. And, Katie (Crabtree) came through with two big RBI when we needed them."
A defensive effort on both sides of the field and mound was apparent as the first inning quickly went by with three-up, three-down on both sides of the plate, and Burke struck out all three of the Husky batters. Then in the second inning, things started to heat up as Northern Illinois put a runner on first with a single base hit and Burke walked her first batter of the day. But she quickly recovered, ending the Huskies run with two more strikeouts to put the Boilermakers up to bat.
In their turn to bat, the Boilermakers also were able to put two runners on base from a base hit and a walk in the second inning, but ended the inning, leaving them on base.
Then Burke went back to work on her game, striking out three more batters, but not before the Huskies were able to tally a single to put a runner on base and a double to score that runner, making the score 1-0, Northern Illinois.
In the bottom of the third inning, it all came together for Purdue. Senior Keely Povlitz was hit by the first pitch of her at bat, putting her on first base. Then, senior Lynne Tortorelli laid down a great bunt to advance freshman Ang ela Knight, pinch running for Povlitz, to second. Next, sophomore Andrea Roush hit a single, but was able to advance to second on the throw while she advanced Knight to third on the same play. Finally, junior Katie Crabtree came to the plate with only one out and cranked a great hit to right centerfield to score both Knight and Roush.
Purdue finished off its game with Burke on the mound until the top of the sixth inning, tallying four hits, one run, three walks, and 11 strikeouts while facing 20 batters. Junior Meagan Dooley came in for the Boilermakers and took the save, her first of the season, while facing five batters. She allowed one hit, had one strikeout and no runs.
The Boilermakers will take to the field again at 5 p.m. Central Standard Time as they play Syracuse. Following that game, the teams will be seeded into the tournament bracket, based on their record.