March 10, 2005
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Three second-inning runs was all the Purdue softball team needed to register a 3-2 victory over Villanova Thursday on the opening day of the Speedline Invitational. The Boilermakers (12-8) look to build on their two-game win streak when they take on Hofstra and Oklahoma State on Friday.
Purdue scored first with a trio of runs on two hits in the second inning. Junior Tricia Lilley (North Canton, Ohio) sent a one-out single into short center field, then moved to second on a ground ball. Sophomore Erika Peterson joined her on base with a walk. Redshirt junior Kristen Schell (San Diego, Calif.) put a two-spot on the scoreboard with a double off the fence in right center. Senior Katie Absher (Puyallup, Wash.) then sent a high fly ball into short left field, which was dropped by the left fielder, allowing her to move to second and Schell to score.
Villanova got two runs back with three hits in the bottom of the inning. Kari Koller started things off with a one-out single towards third base, then Allie Wisniewski followed with a single up the left field line. A ground ball moved both runners into scoring position, setting up a two-run double by Cassie Koenig.
The Boilermakers put runners on base in both the third and fifth but couldn't add any runs to its lead. Senior Andrea Hillsey (White Lake, Mich.) singled in the third, but was left stranded in the third. Junior Staci Falzon (Carlsbad, Calif.) supplied a two-out single in the fifth, then stole second. Hillsey joined her on base via walk before a ground ball ended the inning.
The Wildcats threatened in the third and fourth, but also could not break onto the scoreboard. Sheri Donley posted a lead off single in the third and advanced to second on the throw, but a batter interference call, a ground out and strike out kept her from crossing the plate. In the fourth, Koller singled to third base and scooted over to third on a ground ball and a wild pitch. A strike out and ground out left her stranded.
Villanova put two runners on in the sixth, but again could not convert. The team had one last chance in the seventh after loading the bases with two outs. Lindsey Martin drew a one-out walk, but was out on the next play as the Donley hit into a fielder's choice. Krissy Youch reached on a bunt single, then Lisa Krueger walked to load the bases. A ground ball to the pitcher, however, sealed the Purdue win.
"This was a great win for us," head coach Carol Bruggeman said. "It was a real battle. This will be a good confidence builder for our team."
Falzon, Hillsey, Lilley and Schell accounted for the team's four hits, while Villanova managed two runs on six hits and an error.
Sophomore Brooke Baker (Schererville, Ind.) earned the complete game victory, while striking out four batters. Kristen Haynes was charged with the loss for Villanova.
The Boilermakers have the rest of the day off before returning to the field for an 11 a.m. contest against Hofstra.