Feb. 11, 2011

Box Score

Box Score in PDF Format

AUSTIN, Texas - A two-run rally in the bottom of the fifth was not enough to overcome a 3-0 deficit as the Northern Illinois University softball team fell to Tulsa, 3-2, in the season opener at the Texas Classic.

After four scoreless innings, Tulsa broke through first with a three-run fifth. The Golden Hurricane loaded the bases on a leadoff double, single and walk. A Caitlin Everett single drove in the first run of the game, while a RBI groundout by Jill Barrett extended Tulsa's advantage to 2-0.

The Golden Hurricane scored its final run of the game on a one out RBI single by Lauren Menke. Tulsa had the opportunity to add onto their lead, with the bases loaded and one out, but NIU pitcher Morgan Bittner (Long Beach, Calif./Long Beach Poly) was able to minimize the damage retiring the final two batters to end the threat.

The Huskies (0-1) responded with two runs in the bottom of the inning. With runners at second and third and one out, Dani Parrish (Plainfield, Ind./Plainfield) doubled to right field to score Krista Matsui (Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield) and Stephanie Tofft (Lincoln, Calif./Lincoln) and pull NIU to within one. However, that would be as close as the Huskies would get.

Bittner suffered the loss allowing three runs, all earned on five hits and five walks while striking out five. Zoe Sinner (Downers Grove, Ill./Lake Land C.C.) and Matsui went 2-for-3 from the plate, while Parrish went 1-for-3 with two RBI.

Northern Illinois will wrap up its first day of competition in the Texas Classic with Louisville.

-NIU-