Cyclones Knock Off KU Softball in Big 12 Softball Championship
May 8, 2009
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. –
Despite holding Iowa State to just one hit through five innings, the Cyclones hit a home run in the bottom of the sixth inning which later proved to be the game-winner as ISU defeated the University of Kansas softball team 2-0 Friday evening during the first round of the Big 12 Softball Championship. The game also marked the final contest for KU head coach Tracy Bunge, who is retiring after this season.
With the loss, the No. 9 seeded Jayhawks, who also lost to ISU in their season finale less than a week earlier, wrap up their 2009 season with a 21-31 overall record. No. 8 Iowa State, which goes on to play the top-seeded Oklahoma Sooners Saturday, improved to 26-28 overall.
Iowa State junior Amanda Bradberry hit a two-out, two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning to win the game for the Cyclones.
Down 2-0 in the top of the seventh, senior Val Chapple started the KU offense with a single to third base. Sophomore Allie Clark stepped up to the plate next and, with a full count, sent a single through the left side moving Chapple into scoring position. However, the left fielder misplayed the ball and both runners continued one more base.
With two runners in scoring position and two outs, junior Amanda Jobe was up next but a pop fly to the second baseman ended the contest stranding both runners.
In all KU stranded 11 runners during the game, including a bases loaded situation in the fourth inning and two runners in scoring position during the third frame. The Jayhawks out-hit the Cyclones 8-4 and were perfect on defense compared to three errors committed by ISU.
In her final appearance from the pitcher’s circle, senior Val George tossed a complete game allowing just four hits and one walk while striking out five batters. She finishes the season with a 10-16 record from the circle.
Also playing their final game for KU was seniors Chapple, Stevie Crisosto, Dougie McCaulley and Elle Pottorf. Chapple went 2-for-4 from the plate and Clark also finished with a pair of hits, while Crisosto, McCaulley, Jobe and Ally Stanton each added one hit.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time with the University of Kansas,” said Bunge. “I have a lot of great memories from my time here. I feel very privileged to have been a part of this for as many years as I have.”
