March 24, 2004
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Valparaiso softball team ended its three game hitting drought and a 14-game losing streak against the Boilermakers with a 2-0 victory Wednesday afternoon. The Crusaders managed their two runs on a timely double in the first inning, while Purdue was shutout despite putting 10 runners aboard. The Boilermakers (18-10) look to rebound in the night cap of the doubleheader.
Carlene Grecco hit a one-out single into right field then Beth Admaski sent a two-out single up the third base line, moving Grecco to second. Tricia Speziale then sent a high fly ball into left field, which dropped in at the warning track, scoring both runners.
The Boilermakers looked to answer in the bottom of the inning and put two runners on base, but could get nothing going to bring them in. Junior Katie Absher singled to the shortstop then advanced to second as she overthrew first base looking for the out. Sophomore Tricia Lilley then reached on an fielding error by the right fielder, sending Absher to third. A fielder's choice stopped the Boilermaker effort.
Valparaiso threatened again in the third, loading the bases on an error, a single and a walk, but could not convert. The Crusaders put another runner in scoring position in the sixth on a walk, a fielder's choice and a double, but a ground out and relief pitcher Brooke Baker's first strikeout of the game kept the team from scoring.
The home team had one last hope in the bottom of the seventh and put three runners on base. Senior Angela Knight sent a two-out single through the right side, then Absher singled to right field and advanced to second on an errant throw by the right fielder, moving Knight to third. Valparaiso then intentionally walked Lilley to load the bases. Pitcher Amanda Gilbertson then registered her fifth strikeout of the game to seal the Crusader win.
Purdue posted at least one hit in each inning of the contest. Absher led the Boilermaker bats, tallying three of the team's eight hits. Knight, junior Shelli Messer, sophomore Staci Falzon and freshman Erika Peterson accounted for the others.
Gilbertson (2-3) picked up the complete game win, while sophomore Diana LaRiva (8-8) was charged with the loss after punching out seven in five innings of work.
The Boilermakers, now 9-2 in home openers, look to rebound in Game 2 of the twin bill with the Crusaders.