Feb. 27, 2005
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - The Boilermaker softball team wrapped up the Frost Classic on a three-game win streak after picking up a 2-0 win over Tennessee Tech to close the tournament on Sunday. Purdue scored two runs on eight hits as freshman Melissa Burns (Miami, Fla.) tossed a two-hitter to garner her first victory as a Boilermaker.
Purdue threatened in the opening stanza as senior Katie Absher (Puyallup, Wash.) drew a one-out walk and advanced to third on a pair of singles by senior Andrea Hillsey (White Lake, Mich.) and junior Tricia Lilley (North Canton, Ohio). Absher was thrown out however trying to score from second on the Lilley hit.
The Boilermakers put another runner in scoring position in the second. Senior Shelli Messer (Greenfield, Ind.) reached on a bunt single, then stole second. She moved to third on a ground out, but was left stranded by a pop up.
Back-to-back doubles scored Purdue's first run in the third. Junior Staci Falzon (Carlsbad, Calif.) posted a lead-off double to center, then Hillsey followed two batters later with another double to center to drive in the run. That was enough to prompt a TTU pitching change, as Sarah Street came in to relieve Rachael Darr.
Tennessee Tech tallied its first hit in the bottom of the inning on a single to right by Lindsay Williams. The Golden Eagles bunted her over to second, but a ground out nullified the runner.
Purdue added to its lead with a single run on two hits in the fifth. Falzon doubled to right center, then Absher sacrificed her to third, bringing up Hillsey. The senior once again delivered on the RBI opportunity, this time with a single to center. A double play kept the rally from continuing.
Hillsey went 3-for-3 with two RBI, while Messer and Falzon each boasted two hits.
Burns picked up the win, marking her first decision as a Boilermaker. She allowed just two hits, while striking out four in the complete game shutout. Starter Rachael Darr was charged with the loss for TTU.
"I thought our hitters were much more aggressive today," head coach Carol Bruggeman said. "In the second game, Melissa Burns was outstanding. In seven innings, she was in complete control and in command of her pitches against a good hitting Tennessee Tech team. Andrea Hillsey and Staci Falzon led the way for us with their hitting at the top of the order. Overall, we had to fight for everything in this tournament. Nothing came easy for us, everything was a battle and because of that a 4-2 record is something to be proud of."
Purdue returns to action on Friday, when it takes on Mercer at 11 a.m. at the Buzz Classic in Atlanta, Ga.