Utah Softball Falls To NDSU And Arizona At Wildcat Invitational

Saturday, February 21

Tucson, Ariz.

1:30 PM

University of Utah

North Dakota State

Utah Softball Falls To NDSU And Arizona At Wildcat Invitational

2/21/2009 12:00 AM | Softball

Feb. 21, 2009

Box Score

TUCSON, Ariz. - Starting right fielder Angie Boardman of the University of Utah softball team belted her second home run of the season, but the Utes lost to North Dakota State (2-0) and No. 11 Arizona (12-1) at the Wildcat Invitational Saturday in Hillenbrand Stadium. The Utes own a 7-7 overall record after 14 games this year.

North Dakota State 2, Utah 0

Box Score

In the first game of the day against NDSU, Utah senior first baseman Staci Hemingway recorded a multiple-hit effort with a 2-for-3 performance and freshman designated player Haylee Hoch came up with the first hit of her career, a double to the right-field gap in the second inning.

Utah threatened to take the lead in the bottom half of the second frame, but could not push a run across the plate. Hemingway singled to center field then Hoch doubled to right center field, which was also her first career extra-base hit. Unfortunately, Bison center fielder Taylor Lynn fired a throw to second baseman Elisa Victa, who relayed to catcher Kelly Cantrell to tag Hemingway at the plate for the third and final out of the inning.

NDSU took control of the game by scoring one run in both the third and fourth innings. Nicole Rivera started the third inning for the Bison with a bunt single, and then stole second base. Laurel Pipkin came to the plate next and drove Rivera in with a single for the first score of the game. Richel Briones led off the fourth inning with a single up the middle, then moved to third base after a Jackie Currie sacrifice bunt and a wild pitch. Lynn came up with an RBI single to plate NDSU's second and final run.

The Utes threatened again in their final chance at the plate in the seventh inning after singles by senior shortstop Sharee Fonoti and Hemingway, but Utah couldn't capitalize as Boardman flew out to center field for the final out.

Utah's Joni Cook pitched her second career complete game in her fourth start, but took the loss after giving up five hits in seven innings and walking only one NDSU batter.

North Dakota State improved to 7-1 this season and was led by pitcher Randi Parks, who earned the win with a complete-game shutout performance, scattering five hits.

Freshman third baseman Whitney Holm committed the first error of her career in the third inning. The Spanish Fork, Utah, native cleanly fielded the first 34 chances of her career with 10 putouts and 24 assists.

No. 11 Arizona 12, Utah 1 (5 innings)

Box Score

After Arizona jumped out to a 4-0 lead after the first inning, Utah got on the board with a solo home run over the left-center field fence by Boardman in the top of the second inning. This was Boardman's second home run of the season and the fifth since joining the Utah program last season. The Spokane, Wash., native has driven in four runs this year. Senior second baseman Bonnie Muir singled later in the inning and went 1-for-2 in the game.

Junior Lindsey Palmer took the loss in her second start of the season and pitched three innings, giving up 10 runs on 12 hits. Sophomore Brittany Parker came on in relief to pitch the fourth inning, allowing two runs on two hits.

Arizona is now 10-2 this season and was led by Sarah Akamine, who earned the win with a four-inning performance by allowing one earned run on two hits while striking out five and not giving up one walk. Jennifer Martinez finished the game with two strikeouts in the fifth inning.

The Wildcats got it going early with the bats in the first inning when the first three U. of A. hitters reached base with hits. A two-RBI double down the left-field line by Laine Roth capped the Wildcats' scoring in the frame.

A two-out three-run home run by Stacie Chambers over the left-center field wall stretched the Wildcats' margin to 10-1.

The Utes conclude their Wildcat Invitational slate against No. 11 Arizona tomorrow at 11 a.m. MT.