Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
Arkansas
'Cats Rip Arkansas, Nipped by No. 6 Washington
2/15/2003 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 15, 2003
Washington Box Score
Arkansas Box Score
TUCSON, Ariz. - After a day of dodging raindrops, the Northwestern softball team finally got the opportunity to take the field at the Pepsi Arizona Classic Saturday. After a convincing 8-0 six-inning victory over Arkansas, the Wildcats were left disappointed after nearly knocking off No. 6 Washington, falling 2-1. The 1-1 record on the day moves the 'Cats record to 4-3 on the season.
NU scored two first-inning runs against Arkansas, and then exploded for six more in the bottom of the sixth to end the game prematurely due to the mercy rule. Lauren Schwendimann scattered four hits in picking up the shutout win.
The 'Cats gave Schwendimann all the offense they would need in the bottom of the first. NU chased Razorback starting pitcher Heather Schlichtman just three batters into the game, after allowing each Wildcat she faced to reach base.
Jamie Dotson drew a bases-loaded walk to bring in the first run, and a Robyn Pettinger groundout upped the 'Cats lead to 2-0.
The score held until the bottom of the sixth when Northwestern put the game away with six runs. J.C. Kira drove in a run on an error by the shortstop with the bases loaded, and pinch hitter Kristen Amegin followed with a two-run single.
Erin Mobley added an RBI single and Carri Leto ended the game on a two-RBI triple. Leto and Brett Nakabayashi led the Wildcats with two hits apiece as NU outhit Arkansas 7-4. The 'Cats benefited from four errors by the Razorbacks.
In the ensuing nightcap against Washington, Northwestern gave the sixth-ranked team in the country all that it could handle.
The Huskies stuck first for a run in the bottom of the third inning. With two outs and runners on the corners, UW perfectly executed a double-steal, as Megan Owen stole home on the play.
The Wildcats tied the game and nearly took the lead in the top of the fifth inning. With two outs and the bases loaded, Amegin singled to left field. Mobley scored on the play, but Leto was thrown out at the plate attempting to score from second.
Washington answered by notching the eventual winning run in the bottom half of the inning. With two outs and a runner on third, NU could squeeze a pop-up in foul territory hit by All-American Jamie Clark. Clark took advantage of the new life, doubling to centerfield to put UW ahead for good.
Northwestern outhit the Huskies 8-5 in the game, but stranded eight runners on base. Tucson native Courtnay Foster stuck out five for the 'Cats in her homecoming.
NU concludes play in Tucson at 9 a.m. Mountain time Sunday when it takes on Florida International.
