Feb. 28, 2008

Box Score

SHREVEPORT - For the second time in a week, Louisiana Tech couldn't capitalize on an outstanding pitching performance against Centenary as the Lady Techsters fell 1-0 Thursday night in Shreveport.

Tech junior pitcher Krissi Oliver allowed only one earned run on four hits and no walks while striking out four in her return to the mound but was still tagged with the loss.

"Krissi did really well," said Tech head coach Sarah Dawson. "She looked good and her arm didn't bother her at all. Her velocity looked good and her control looked good. She didn't walk anyone and that was what she had problems with her last few appearances."

Oliver (1-4) had been limited the last 10 days after being hit on the pitching arm in an 8-5 win over UL-Monroe Feb. 18.

For the second straight game, Centenary pitcher Ryan Thacker (5-4) outdueled a Techster hurler, limiting Tech to only one hit in the complete-game victory.

"We started to make adjustments but it was just too late in the game," Dawson said. "We had our shots in the fourth inning, but we weren't able to capitalize. We had a great pitching performance and played good defense but just couldn't make it count."

The game was scoreless heading into the top of the fourth inning. Danielle Sheridan opened the frame with a single up the middle and then Amberly Waits reached on a fielder's choice where the Ladies didn't retire a batter.

However, with runners on first and second and no outs, Thacker retired three straight Tech batters to end the threat.

Centenary (6-13) answered in the bottom of the fourth inning as Bonnie Matak opened the inning with a double to right centerfield and eventually scored on a sacrifice fly by Lauren Flowers.

Thacker retired the final 12 batters of the game to pick up the win.