Feb. 15, 2009

Box Score

LAFAYETTE, La. -- Junior Kylie Bassett drove in a career-high six runs and sophomore Meghan Krieg allowed just two hits in the circle as Louisiana Tech defeated Nicholls State 8-0 in six innings Sunday afternoon at the Louisiana Classic.

Tech (2-3) picked up its first win of the weekend and exploded offensively after being shut out for three straight games. The win came against a Nicholls State team (6-3) that had won six of its first eight games this year and that fell to 19th ranked UL-Lafayette by a score of 4-1 earlier in the day.

"I think seeing the UL-Lafayette pitchers yesterday gave us a better perspective on what we need to do," said head coach Sarah Dawson. "Coming into this tournament, the season is so young that we hadn't seen enough movement to be comfortable.

"Then we went against UL-Lafayette yesterday and I think our kids realized how tough the pitching can be. It was good to get off to a good start today. Emma has been hitting the ball well; she got robbed a couple of times yesterday. Kylie just missed on hitting one out of the park yesterday, but she didn't miss today. It was nice to s score early."

The Lady Techsters plated three runs in the top of the first inning to grab an early lead. Emma Barnes led off with a single up the middle and stole second base. Amberly Waits then drew a one-out walk before Bassett followed with a three-run home run over the left centerfield fence to give LA Tech the 3-0 lead.

Tech added two more runs in the top of the third inning. Danielle Sheridan drew a walk to open the frame before Waits lined an RBI triple to left field, making the score 4-0. Bassett then drove Waits home with an RBI groundout.

The score remained 5-0 until the top of the sixth inning when Heather Doiron reached on an error to lead the frame off and Barnes followed with a single up the middle. Sheridan then registered an infield single to load the bases.

After Waits drew an RBI walk to make the score 6-0, Bassett followed with a two-run single to right field to end the scoring for the Lady Techsters.

"From a coaching standpoint, I don't think we pushed them hard enough this week," Dawson said. "We knew that if we didn't get the results we wanted this weekend that we needed to work even harder from the coaches to the players. That's what we will do starting Monday."

Krieg (1-1) pitched 5.0 innings and allowed only two hits and three walks while striking out seven batters. Wanda Malone came on in relief in the sixth and retired three Colonels batters to end the game.

"Today was a good challenge for Meghan," Dawson said. "She gave us two consistent performances this weekend. Our pitching really wasn't the issue this weekend; they did well for the most part. We need them to stay strong for us."

Barnes led Tech's eight-hit parade with three hits while Bassett added two hits. Waits, Sheridan and Doiron each registered one hit apiece.

Audrey Wood was tagged with the loss for Nicholls State, allowing five earned runs on three hits and three walks in 2.1 innings of action.

Tech returns to action with a 3 p.m. doubleheader Tuesday against McNeese State at the Lady Techster Softball Complex.