March 29, 2002
MADISON, Wisc. - The Purdue softball team had its win streak of 10 games broken today with a 6-4 loss to the Wisconsin Badgers at the Goodman Softball Complex. With the loss, the Boilermakers fall to 25-10 on the year.
Purdue started the game off quickly, going up 4-0 against the Badgers, while tallying its first hit in the first inning. Freshman Andrea Hillsey singled to left centerfield, but was left on as junior first baseman Heidi Foster was caught swinging by Wisconsin's Andrea Kirchberg.
The Boilermakers tallied their first run in the top of the third inning when they executed a double steal. Senior shortstop Katie Crabtree had advanced to third on a throwing error by the Wisconsin second baseman on a bunted single by junior leftfielder Angi Roembke, putting Purdue runners on the corners. Then, with Hillsey at the plate, Roembke took off for second, caused the Badger throw down to second and allowed Crabtree to head home, sliding under the tag.
Then, the Boilermakers scored two more runs on a junior designated player Laura Martin home run in the fourth inning. Martin tallied her third home run of the year with the two-run shot that also scored freshman Katie Absher who pinch ran for junior catcher Jesse Jones.
In the fifth inning, the Old Gold and Black added a fourth run to their total when Hillsey got on base by another single to leftfield and then crossed the plate from second when junior centerfielder Andrea Roush singled to right field.
It looked as if four runs would be an adequate cushion for the Boilermakers, but the Badgers decided they weren't ready to succumb to another loss for their record. In the bottom of the sixth inning, with a series of base hits, walks, doubles and Purdue errors, the Badgers tallied six hits and six runs on two Purdue errors.
Purdue made its own attempt to regain the lead in the top of the seventh inning, but was unsuccessful as the Badgers handed the Boilermakers a three-up, three-down inning.
On the mound for the Boilermakers, senior Meagan Dooley took the loss, dropping her record to 7-3 on the year, after pitching 4.2 innings. Dooley made the start and then came back for relief after senior Nicole Crouse relieved her. Dooley allowed eight hits and three runs.
Crouse pitched 0.1 innings and allowed two hits and three runs, while walking one.
Also seeing some relief time on the mound after an injury to Dooley was junior Leighann Burke. Burke pitched 1.0 inning and allowed one hit, facing five batters.
The Boilermakers will return to the field on Saturday, when they face the Badgers again in Madison. Game time is set for noon at the Goodman Softball Complex.
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