University of Washington
0-1
Central Michigan
1-0
Central Michigan Tops Washington Softball
February 29, 2004 | Softball
Feb. 29, 2004
COLUMBUS, Ga. - The fourth-ranked Washington softball team (13-5) lost to Central Michigan 1-0 this morning to be eliminated from the NFCA Leadoff Classic. Senior All-American Tia Bollinger tied a career-best performance with 12 strikeouts but UW produced no run support, notching just two hits in the game.
Bollinger dominated the Chippewas in the first two innings, striking out six.
Central Michigan scored the lone run in the fifth inning on two hits. Natalie de la Vega led off the frame with a dribbler toward the mound. Bollinger struck out the next batter and got Christan Dohnt to ground out to first base. Karen Hohs then hit a line drive into centerfield to score de la Vega.
Washington threatened in the bottom half of the frame, recording its first hit of the day when Amanda Oleson led off with a single down the left field line. Sarah Hyatt followed with a double to left centerfield, which moved Oleson to third but the Huskies were unable to score.
The loss marked Washington's third in a row, its first three game skid in tournament play since the 2002 season.
Bollinger (8-3) took the tough loss despite striking out 12 and scattering five hits. Amber Puchalski picked up the win for Central Michigan, holding the Huskies to two hits and striking out six.
Washington returns to action next Thursday, March 4 when it makes its first home appearance in a pair of exhibition games against the Canadian National Team. The first pitch is slated for a 1 p.m. start and admission is free.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Puchalski (1-0)
L: Bollinger, Tia (0-1)
Batting:
RBI: Hohs 1
Base Running:
RUNS: de la Vega 1
Batting:
2B: Hyatt, Sarah 1
SH: Roach, Rita 1
