Feb. 20, 2004
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - The Boilermaker softball team started the Sonic Challenge with a 4-1 victory over Villanova Friday afternoon. Purdue used timely hits en route to the win, which moved the team to 3-1 on the season.
The Boilermakers got on the board in the second inning, combining an error, double and triple for a pair of runs. Freshman Erika Peterson gave Purdue a base runner when she reached on an errant throw by the shortstop. Freshman Jamie Dum came in to pinch run for Peterson and stood on first with two outs when senior Angela Knight came to the plate. Knight doubled to center field, moving Dum to third. Sophomore Tricia Lilley then punched a triple to the right center fence, scoring both runs. A pop up ended the inning.
Purdue added to its lead with another run in the third. Junior Andrea Hillsey walked to open the inning then advanced on a ground out. Junior Shelli Messer then singled to center, giving the Boilermakers runners at first and third. Hillsey and Messer then pulled off the double steal, putting Purdue up 3-0.
A three-bagger by Lilley in the fourth drove in the final Boilermaker run of the game. Lilley's triple into the right center gap drove in Knight, who reached base on an error by the second baseman to open the stanza.
Down 4-0 entering the bottom of the seventh, Villanova (0-2) was looking for a rally. Kristen Strait grounded out to start the inning, bringing up second baseman Sheri Donley, who launched a towering home run over the center field fence. A fielder's choice and pop up ended the Wildcats' comeback hopes.
Lilley went 2-for-4 with a pair of triples and three RBI as Purdue scored four runs on seven hits, while committing one error. Villanova managed one run on 10 hits, while committing two errors. Freshman Brooke Baker recorded her first collegiate victory with the complete game win, while Kristen Haynes was tabbed with the loss.
"Brooke pitched a great game," head coach Carol Bruggeman said. "She was right on and our offense stepped up to back her up. It was a great win for her."
The Boilermakers return to action at 7:30 p.m. against the host UT-Chattanooga Lady Mocs. Live stats will be available on purduesports.com.