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Virginia Softball Notches 2-1 Win Over Oklahoma State In Quarterfinals Of Buzz Classic
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March 5, 2006
MARIETTA, Ga. – The University of Virginia softball avenged its only pool play loss with a 2-1 victory over second-seeded Oklahoma State Sunday morning (Mar. 5) in the quarterfinals of the Buzz Classic, which is being held at the Al Bishop Softball Complex. The Cavaliers rode the stellar pitching of second-year Kara Wilburn (Del Mar, Calif.) and broke a 1-1 tie with an unearned run in the top of the fifth to gain the victory. With the win, UVa improves to 11-3 on the season and advances to the semifinals against NC State at 11:30 a.m.
The Cavaliers fell to Oklahoma State 6-3 in pool play on Mar. 3. In that game, the Cowgirls scored six runs in the final two innings to overcome a 3-0 deficit.
In the rematch Sunday morning, Virginia took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third. Fourth-year third baseman Sara Larquier (Burbank, Calif.) led off with a single up the middle, but was forced out on fourth-year center fielder Jessica Taylor (Philadelphia, Pa.) fielder’s choice grounder. With two outs, third-year catcher Amy McKean (Kent, Wash.) drew a walk to advance Taylor to second. Third-year designated player Michelle Salmiery (San Jose, Calif.) ripped a single to left center to score Taylor from second.
Oklahoma State (7-11) tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the fourth. Ashleigh Tweed singled with one out and stole second base. She advanced to third on a groundout and scored on Kim Kaye’s single to right center.
UVa broke the 1-1 tie with an unearned run in the fifth. Larquier drew a walk to lead off the inning and Taylor was hit by a pitch. Third-year first baseman Brooke Sorber (Alexandria, Va.) fouled out to second and the throw to third on the play was misplayed by the Cowgirls’ third baseman, allowing Larquier to score the winning run.
After pitching five innings against Oklahoma State in the meeting in pool play and allowing only one run on two hits, Wilburn tossed another gem in the quarterfinals. Wilburn went the distance and gave up one run on two hits with four strikeouts and no walks to improve to 3-1. She allowed just two batters to reach base – both in the fourth inning. Jessica Hoppock (3-7) went the distance for Oklahoma State and took the loss. She allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits with four walks and six strikeouts.
Salmiery and third-year second baseman Elea Crockett (Tucson, Ariz.) both had two hits for UVa. Virginia stranded 10 runners on base, while Oklahoma State left one runner on base.