Softball Shut Out in Game One

TUCSON, Ariz. -- The day was changed but the score remained the same as the Arizona softball team completed a 6-0 win over Oklahoma to take a one game advantage in the best-of-threee series in the Tuson Super Regional.

The contest was halted in the top of the seventh inning on Friday night and play began again on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. (CST). Arizona starter Alicia Hollowell (30-7) sent the Sooners down in order to record her 18th shutout of the season. Game two is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. and will air live on ESPN.

The weather was not on Oklahoma's side Friday night.

Live Stats | Photo Gallery | Box Score

In the first inning a 20 MPH wind that was blowing out to center shifted during a Heather Scaglione at bat. Literally seconds after the wind reversed directions and began to blow straight in from center field, Scaglione sent a blast to center that was retrieved at the top of the wall by UA center fielder Caitlin Lowe.

Both teams failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities in their next couple at bats and then the weather struck again. A patch of rain and lightning delayed the game for 1:27 at 0-0 in the top of the third with two outs.

Arizona came out of the delay and took a three-run lead on patented Wildcat small ball. Kami Keiter walked in the initial run. The second run scored on an infield single and the third run came home on a fielder's choice. Only one ball left the infield in the inning, yet the Wildcats left the frame with a commanding 3-0 advantage.

Arizona added another two runs in the fifth inning and one more in the sixth inning.

Keiter (32-7) started and took the loss after working 4.1 innings for the Sooners. She gave up five earned runs on 10 hits, eight of which did not leave the infield.

Keiter's inability to the keep the top three hitters in the Arizona lineup off base was key. The top three hitters accounted for six of the Wildcat's 11 hits.

The Sooners will have to win two games from Arizona tomorrow in order to advance to the Women's College World Series for the seventh consecutive year. Game two will begin at 4 p.m. (CDT) and will be broadcast live by ESPN. If a third game is needed it will be aired live on ESPN2 at 8 p.m.

Next Event

Sponsors

University of Oklahoma Athletics