March 21, 2008

Box Score

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Regan Clark registered a two-out RBI single in the top of the first inning and junior Krissi Oliver made it stand up as Louisiana Tech (17-14, 1-0 WAC) downed San Jose State 1-0 Friday in the Western Athletic Conference opener for both teams.

Oliver (6-7) picked up the win in the circle, scattering four hits while striking out four and walking none in the complete-game victory.

"I thought Krissi pitched well," said Tech head coach Sarah Dawson. "She kept her composure throughout the game and our defense made the plays they needed to make to win. She was good. We weren't perfect, but we played well enough to win."

San Jose State starter Deanna Mauer recorded the first two outs of the game before surrendering a single to left center to Amberly Waits. After Waits stole second base, Clark drove her home with a single to centerfield giving Tech a 1-0 lead.

"Regan came up big for us in the first inning, getting Amberly around," Dawson said. "(San Jose State)'s pitcher got ahead of a lot of batters and got us to pop up but we made the one run stand up."

Oliver was instrumental in keeping the lead. The Spartans (16-19, 0-1 WAC) threatened to tie the game or take the lead in the bottom of the second inning as Brittany McConnell and Kayla Hayes both singled to lead the frame off.

However, Oliver settled down and recorded three straight outs to get out of the jam.

San Jose State threatened again in the bottom of the third inning loading the bases with two outs before Oliver retired Hayes on a line out to shortstop to once again end the scoring opportunity.

Oliver retired 12 of the last 13 batters she faced - San Jose State reached base on an error in the bottom of the fifth - as the Lady Techsters picked up the win.

"It's a great start for us, especially from a confidence standpoint," Dawson said. "It creates a little momentum heading into tomorrow's doubleheader. It's also big for us being a road win."

Waits led Tech with two hits and two stolen bases while Clark and Heather Doiron each registered one hit.

The two teams meet Saturday at 2 p.m. in a doubleheader.