Feb. 21, 2004
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - The Boilermaker softball team suffered its first loss of the Sonic Challenge with a 2-0 decision to Bradley. The Braves chalked up their two runs on eight hits, while holding Purdue scoreless on just a trio of hits.
Purdue had chances to get on the board in both the first and second innings, but could not convert. In the first, Tricia Lilley singled down the first base line and made her way to third on a pass ball, but found herself stranded after a pair of ground balls. In the second, the Boilermakers had to runners aboard after and pair of walks, but were done in by another pair of ground outs.
Bradley scored in the top of the fourth, combining a pair of singles and a stolen base for a run. Laura Harms kicked off the inning with a bunt single, then stole second, putting herself in scoring position for Stefanie Cheney. Cheney answered the RBI call with a single into deep center field to score the game's first run.
The Braves added to their lead with an unearned run in the top of the sixth. Harms hit a rocket into right field, then advanced to second when the right fielder lost the ball momentarily and moved to third on the delayed throw. Cheney followed with a double into right field, scoring Harms.
Freshman DaQueta Johnson gave the Boilermakers another runner in scoring position in the bottom of the sixth with a two-out double into left field, but a fly ball to center field ended the inning.
The Boilermakers had one last chance in the bottom of the seventh. Kristen Schell tabbed a pinch hit single into center field, but a strike out and a ground ball to third clinched BU the victory.
Brittany Dehler picked up the win for the Braves, while Diana LaRiva struck out six in the complete game effort for Purdue.
Next up, the Boilermakers take on Western Kentucky (3-0) at 2:30 p.m.