April 15, 2001
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue softball team dropped a 2-1 decision today in the second game of the two-game series against Big Ten Conference opponent, Ohio State. The Boilermakers fall to 27-18-1 (4-8 Big Ten), while the Buckeyes improve to 33-12 (7-3 Big Ten).
"Today was a great game," said Purdue head coach Carol Bruggeman. "It was really well-played by both teams and, unfortunately, we were just a few RBI short of the win. I am really proud of the team. They played well and we're still just having a little trouble finding a "W" right now. But we'll keep going and fighting back."
Despite playing a much-improved all-around game today, the Boilermakers still weren't able to pull out the victory, tallying six hits and one RBI in seven innings of play.
The Old Gold and Black was able to score in the top of the second inning, after falling behind, 2-0, in the bottom of the first. It all started when sophomore third baseman Jesse Jones singled to left field and had sophomore Briana Hensley pinch run for her at first. Hensley advanced to second with two outs on a walk from junior outfielder Chrissy Davie.
Then, on a single to straightaway center field, senior Lynne Tortorelli garnered the RBI as Davie advanced to second and Hensley crossed the plate from second.
The Boilermakers made another attempt at a score in the top of the third inning, as junior shortstop Katie Crabtree singled to right field. Sophomore Andrea Roush attempted the sacrifice bunt play, but was unable to keep the bunt down, popping it up to the pitcher.
Sophomore Heidi Foster singled to center field that advanced Crabtree to second and gave sophomore Jill Paxson a chance to pinch run at first base. Freshman catcher Sara Hall grounded out to the pitcher on a hard hit ball as Paxson advanced to second and Crabtree to third with two outs. Jones swung and put the first pitch in the air, a pop up to the second baseman to end the inning.
With only a very few scattered hits, here and there, both teams' defenses played outstanding and kept the score to the 2-1 tally that was made in the second inning.
The Boilermakers will be back in action on Tuesday, April 17, as they head to Dayton, Ohio, to take on the Dayton Flyers in doubleheader action. Game time is set for 3 p.m. EST. Following those games, Purdue will continue its Big Ten Conference schedule on the road to Iowa and Northwestern, next weekend.
-P-