Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Arizona (Kia Klassic)
No. 15 Bulldogs Fall to Top-Ranked Arizona
3/18/2004 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 18, 2004
FRESNO, Calif. - The 15th-ranked Fresno State softball team took one on the chin as the Bulldogs dropped a 7-0 decision to top-ranked Arizona in the opening game of the Kia Klassic.
Arizona's All-America pitcher Alicia Hollowell struck out 17 Bulldogs en route to keeping her mark perfect in the circle at 19-0 as she tossed a three hitter while waking three.
Bulldogs' hurler Laura Ferreira dropped to 5-3 overall after allowing seven runs on 10 hits while walking none and striking out eight.
Despite a five-run second inning performance by the Wildcats, Ferreira pitched well in the final five innings as she allowed four hits while yielding a run with six strikeouts.
Arizona (30-0) got the scoreboard first with a RBI double by catcher Mackenzie Vandergeest in the top of the first inning.
In the fifth, UA scored five runs on four hits. With the bases loaded and no outs, pinch runner Crystal Farley scored on a fielder's choice RBI by right fielder Candance Abrams. Designated player Allyson Von Liechtenstein then reached on a fielder's choice after Ferreira got Liechtenstein to hit a come backer to sophomore All-America shortstop Christina Clark for an out at home (Quintero). With one out, center fielder Caitlyn Lowe reached on a fielder's choice and picked up a RBI as Abrams scored. After Lowe stole second, Ferreira got left fielder Autumn Champion to pop up to Clark for out No. 2. With runners on second and third and two outs, shortstop Kristie Fox had a two-run single to right to put Arizona up 5-0. Vandergeest then followed with RBI single to right field for the sixth run of the game.
In the seventh with one out, Fox hit a full count pitch to left for a solo home run.
Fresno State had runners in scoring position in the first and third inning. Clark led the bottom of the first off with a walk. After Southern and junior left fielder Porsha Finley struck out, senior right fielder Lori Hoffman drew a walk to put Bulldogs on first and second. However, freshman catcher Nichole Willis also became a strikeout victim to end the Bulldogs' threat.
In the third with no outs, Clark led off with an infield single while Southern followed with a single down the right field line. Hollowell stopped the Bulldogs in their tracks, however, when she struck out the side.
Fresno State (22-9) will meet No. 7 Oklahoma (25-6-1) at approximately 4:30 p.m. this afternoon. The Sooners are coming off a 5-2 win over Illinois in pool play earlier this morning.
