WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Boilermakers fell to Northwestern 1-0 in a down-to-the wire match-up where a single home run in the seventh inning decided the game.
Sophomore Gina Snyder (5-8) issued 10 strikeouts and allowed just four hits on the day in the complete game effort for Purdue. Northwestern's Amy Letourneau (13-10) struck out three over the final two innings in the victory. She combined with Kristen Wood and Kenzie Ellis, who went three and two innings respectively, on the no-hitter.
In a game, which featured just four hits, the Boilermakers managed four base runners, but could not push a run across.
Purdue had an RBI opportunity in the second inning after senior Katie Harrison drew a leadoff walk and her pinch runner Maddie Damon advanced to third on a throwing error. A pop up and a ground out closed the inning.
Northwestern had its first scoring chance in the third after a leadoff double and sacrifice put a runner on third. The Boilermaker defense held, however, registering a fielder's choice play at the plate and a fly out to escape damage.
Senior CJ Parsons was hit by a pitch with two outs in the fifth, but the Boilermakers could not take advantage of the free base.
After retiring eight straight batters, Snyder allowed a bunt single, but again Purdue held off the Wildcats with a fly out and a runner left early call.
Purdue put another run in scoring position in the sixth as sophomore Maya Hughes reached on a fielding error. A sacrifice by junior Kristen Hoppman bumped her over to second, but a pop up and fly ball erased the scoring threat.
Amy Filler lifted a leadoff home run to center in the top of the seventh to account for the lone run of the game. Snyder rebounded with three straight strikeouts to give her offense the opportunity to respond.
Harrison drew a leadoff walk in the Boilermaker seventh, but three strikeouts halted the Purdue comeback bid.
Purdue (27-26, 8-14) will wrap up the regular season at noon Sunday in the series finale with the Wildcats.