March 5, 2008

Box Score

RUSTON - Louisiana Tech junior Krissi Oliver pitched a two-hit complete game shutout Wednesday night as the Lady Techsters downed Northwestern State 1-0 at the Lady Techster Softball Complex.

Oliver allowed only two hits and no walks while striking out four. She allowed only two NSU runners to second base all day and none after the third inning.

"Krissi pitched really well," Dawson said. "Even their two hits weren't hit that hard. I thought she did an outstanding job tonight."

Tech struck for the only run of the game in the bottom of the first inning as Emma Barnes led off with a triple to left centerfield. After Danielle Sheridan was retired, Amberly Waits was hit by a pitch putting runners on first and third.

The Lady Techsters then executed a double steal as Barnes scored, giving Tech a 1-0 lead.

NSU's best chance to score came in the top of the first when the Lady Demons first two hitters reached on an error and a hit by pitch. However, Oliver (3-5) settled down and retired the next three batters in order to get out of the jam.

The Lady Demons threatened in the third putting a runner on second base with one out - Oliver surrendered her first hit of the game - but the Glendale, Ariz., native once again retired the next two NSU batters to keep the game 1-0.

Tech (11-10) had runners on base in every inning but the fifth as the Lady Techsters recorded six hits and had four batters hit by pitch. However, Tech left nine runners stranded in the win.

"I thought offensively we did fine. We just hit a lot of balls right at people and Northwestern State made some nice defensive plays. I was definitely happy with the team. I think these close games are preparing us for conference play. I think we are starting to get comfortable in these close games."

Barnes led Tech with two hits while Regan Clark, Megan Granger, Summer Young and Heather Doiron each added one hit.

Tech travels to play in the four-team Mississippi State tournament this weekend in Starkville.