Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
Temple (Speedline Tournament)
Canney Brilliant in 2-0 Shutout Over Temple
3/4/2004 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 4, 2004
CLEARWATER, Fla. - With only two outs left to record for her first career no-hitter, freshman Eileen Canney gave up the first ball that exited the Northwestern infield, a double by Lindsay Grace. While she didn't earn that elusive no-hitter, Canney did pickup her second shutout win of the season and led the 'Cats to a 2-0 win over Temple.
"Eileen did a great job today hitting spots and changing speeds," said head coach Kate Drohan. "She was in complete control today."
Northwestern improves its overall record to 8-3, while the Owls drop to 2-7 overall.
Temple pitcher Richelle Villescas allowed only five Northwestern hits, but struggled early with control and the 'Cats made her pay in the first inning.
Villescas walked the bases loaded and shortstop Eryn Manahan singled to right to score Erin Mobley and Northwestern led 1-0.
Despite putting runners on base the next two innings, Northwestern could not pick up any more runs until the sixth inning. Kristen Amegin drew a one-out walk and Elizabeth Piatt came into the game as a pinch runner. Piatt advanced to second when Manahan singled in the next at-bat.
J.C. Kira drove Piatt home with a single to left field and the 'Cats extended their lead to 2-0. The two run edge was plenty for Canney, who faced only 23 total batters in the game.
Today's game marked the third in a row that Canney flirted with no-hitters. In a 4-2 win over No. 8 Stanford, Canney went four and two-thirds innings without allowing a hit and came back to throw five and two-thirds innings of hitless ball in an 8-0 win over Boston College at the Palm Springs Classic. She finished today's game with 10 strikeouts.
