Feb. 28, 2010

Box Score

Box Score in PDF Format

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Northern Illinois University softball team scored three runs in the final two innings but it wasn't enough to overcome No. 17 Louisville at the Cardinal Classic at Ulmer Stadium Sunday.

The Cardinals took the early advantage, scoring four runs with two outs in the first inning. Louisville tacked on another run in the bottom of the second to take a 5-0 lead.

NIU's (1-8) offense was held in check through the first five innings as Louisville's Chelsea Leonard was working on a no-hitter. In the top of the sixth, freshman Adriana Sanchez (San Fernando, Calif./Alemany) broke up the no-no in a big way with a double to right field, scoring Zoe Sinner (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove South) to give the Huskies their first run of the day.

The Huskies mounted a rally in their final at bat. With one on and two outs, Sanchez drove in her second run of the game on an infield single, to score Dani Parrish (Plainfield, Ind./Plainfield) from second. An infield single by Whitney Owens (Pendleton, Ind./Pendleton Heights) drove in Sinner from second and pulled Northern Illinois to within two, 5-3. Unfortunately for the Huskies, the rally would end and the Cardinals would come out with the victory.

Sanchez had a solid day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs, while Owens was 1-for-2 with an RBI. Owens, who came in to pitch in the second inning in relief for Monica Segura (Santa Ana, Calif./Segerstrom Fundamental), turned in a strong outing in the pitcher's circle allowing one run on four hits and four base on balls.

The Huskies are back in action March 9 when NIU travels to San Diego, Calif. To take on San Diego State. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. CST. Fans can follow all the action live via Gametracker at www.NIUHuskies.com.

-NIU-