May 19, 2000
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Host Arizona State shook off a late rally by Texas A&M Friday night to post a 4-2 victory and remain undefeated in the NCAA Region 5 Softball Championships at Farrington Stadium.
The Sun Devils, playing as the visitors on their home field, jumped ahead of the Aggies with two runs in the top of the first inning. Sophomore Missy Hixon led off the game with a single, and advanced to second on a sacrifice by teammate Nicole Thompson. Hixon scored on a double by teammate Kara Brun, who touched home plate herself following a single to centerfield by fellow freshman Sara Kahler.
"I feel like our team has done a good job all year being visitors, we didn't like being in that dugout much," ASU Head Coach Linda Wells said. "It sure is good to take the field being a couple of runs up. It takes a little of the pressure off. It just means you can do a lot more with your pitch selection."
The score remained 2-0 until the top of the fifth, when Kahler found herself at the plate with two outs and Thompson on second. The Los Alamitos, Calif., native sent Amy Vining's 'offering over the right field fence for only her second round-tripper of the season.
That 4-0 cushion would prove to be critical for Arizona State, as Texas A&M put up a pair of runs its next time at the plate. Sophomore Lisa Klam, who was hit by a pitch to start the inning, advanced to third when senior Jamie Smith sent a shot over the head of Sun Devil left fielder Jennifer Forner. Both Aggies would score when junior Angie Shetler doubled down the left field line.
However, ASU sophomore pitcher Kirsten Voak would settle down and retire the next two A&M batters to end the rally.
"It was time to make an adjustment. I had been throwing inside the whole game, and they started backing off the plate," said Voak, who improved to 30-9 with her second win in as many nights. "I waited a little too long to notice that and pick that up -- to be a smart pitcher and change the game plan."
At 42-18, the Sun Devils need just one more win to tie the school record for most victories in a season. Texas A&M was eliminated from the tournament after suffering its second loss, and finishes the year with a 32-23 mark.
Arizona State next plays Saturday at 3:00 p.m. against the Penn State-Alabama winner.