Jayhawk Softball Team Wins 2-1 Thriller

May 19, 2006

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PROVO, UTAH – The Kansas softball team defeated BYU, 2-1, Friday evening to advance to the finals of the 2006 NCAA Regional tournament at Gail Miller Field. The Jayhawks (36-25) will face the University of Washington Saturday at 1 p.m. (CT). If KU can get by the Huskies in game one, the two teams will square off immediately thereafter with an NCAA Super Regional berth on the line.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

KU starter Kassie Humphreys (19-16) defeated host BYU for the second time in as many days, by tossing a complete-game eight-hitter. The Glendale, Ariz., native struck out four and walked just two.

BYU starter Summer Tobias (26-13) worked 7.0 innings, but suffered the loss. She struck out six and walked two.

For the second straight game, the Jayhawks fell behind 1-0 in the first inning as BYU scored the first run of the contest on an RBI double off the bat of designated player Ashlyn Russell.

KU tied the score in the top of the fifth on an RBI double by first baseman Nicole Washburn. Her shot to the gap in right center scored left fielder Nettie Fierros who led off the inning with a single through the right side. KU took a 2-1 lead on the very next at-bat as third baseman Val Chapple lined a double to left-center scoring pinch runner Ashley Goodrich.

BYU rallied in the bottom of the sixth and had a chance to tie the game but pinch runner Crystal Chamberlain was gunned down at the plate on a perfect throw from center fielder Stevie Crisosto for the second out of the inning. Humphreys ended the scoring threat by getting Jodi Norton to foul out Washburn at first base.

After a 1-2-3 top of the seventh, BYU’s Tracee Hoch drew a walk with one out. Humphreys retired leadoff hitter Andrea Ramirez on a lineout to left before left fielder Monica Gonzales reached on an infield single. With runners on first and second, Humphreys struck out two-time MWC Player of the Year Ianeta Lei looking at a nasty changeup.

Game Notes – KU’s six hits in the game were the most by the Jayhawks in the tournament … First baseman Nicole Washburn recorded a pair of base hits, including her third double of the season.