Stephen F. Austin
Tulsa
Ladyjacks Extend Streak with Win over Tulsa
3/15/2007 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 15, 2007
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Kari Hugie ran her consecutive scoreless innings streak to 23 as Stephen F. Austin knocked off Tulsa, 1-0, on an RBI single in the eighth inning Thursday in the Ladyjacks' home opener. The win was SFA's fifth straight, dating back to a 7-3 win over Alcorn State on March 4. Thursday's win improved SFA's record to 8-16 on the season.
Hugie scattered six hits over eight innings and worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the second inning to collect her third consecutive shutout. Hugie (4-6) threw shutouts in the first and third games of SFA's Southland Conference-opening series at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi last weekend. Thursday, she recorded three strikeouts, giving her an even 20 on the season.
As tough as Hugie was against Tulsa, the Golden Hurricane pitchers were just as stingy through the first seven innings. But, in the bottom of the eighth, catcher Kim Daley led off with an infield hit up the middle then moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by Kendal Harper. Daley came around to score the game-winner when the next batter, Benet Higgs punched a looper into right-center.
Higgs finished the day 1-for-3 and also drew the only walk issued by Tulsa pitching. Briana Bishop and Heather Hebert each singled once, as did Daley and Harper. SFA finished with five hits, the 14th time this year the Ladyjacks have posted five or more base knocks.
Katie Lee (5-5) took the loss for Tulsa after coming on in the seventh inning to relieve starter Jackie Lawrence. Three of the six Ladyjacks Lee faced recorded base hits.
SFA will be back in action Saturday, when it opens a three-game set at home against Texas-Arlington. The first game against the Mavericks is set for a 1 p.m. start Saturday at Hoya Field. A second game will follow, with the final game set for a noon start on Sunday. The Ladyjacks will be looking to improve on their 3-0 SLC start.
After the doubleheader on Saturday, the Ladyjacks will sponsor their inaugural "Anyone Can Play" game. The event is billed as a game featuring the talents of special needs athletes. To compete, contact SFA assistant coach Mimi Randolph at (936) 468-6243, or by e-mail at randolpham@sfasu.edu.
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