Feb. 8, 2004
TEMPE, Ariz. - The 20th-ranked Arizona State softball team (5-3) dropped its final game of the three-day triangular to Kansas (2-4), 5-1, Sunday afternoon at Farrington Stadium. The Sun Devils had several scoring opportunities throughout the game as they stranded nine runners on base, five in scoring position.
The Jayhawks jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the second inning off ASU starting pitcher Ashley Werschky (2-2). After Kansas put runners on first and second, Sandy Smith was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Werschky then struck out the next batter for the second out, but Ashley Goodrich came through with a two-run single to left field, and that was followed by Nic Washburn's RBI single for the 3-0 edge.
Bre DeSanta then took over pitching duties in the third inning, but soon gave up a solo home run to Serena Settlemier to extend the Jawhawks lead to 4-0.
One of ASU's best scoring chances came in the fourth inning when Himmita Hixson leadoff with an infield single. Valerie Sevilla followed with a single to left field, but the Kansas centerfield made an error on the play to advance Hixson to third and Sevilla to second. Phelan Wright then struck out for the first out, and Werschky walked to load the bases. However, Kansas' pitcher Kassie Humphreys (1-2) worked out of the jam by striking out pinch hitter Keri Pulcifer and getting Heidi Knabe to foul out.
Kansas would tag one more run on in the sixth inning when Washburn doubled home Goodrich, who walked earlier in the inning and stole second.
The Sun Devils would avoid the shutout in the bottom of the seventh. Kristin Crenshaw opened the inning with a single to right field. Then with two outs, Sevilla doubled into the left centerfield gap to drive in Crenshaw for ASU's lone run.
Desiree Serrano pitched the final inning, allowing one hit. DeSanta finished the game, giving up two hits and two runs with six strikeouts. Humphreys went the distance, allowing six hits and one run with 11 strikeouts. Hixson and Sevilla led ASU with two hits apiece
Up next, the Sun Devils will host Western Michigan on Thursday, February 12 at 7:00 p.m. before hosting the 18-team Fiesta Bowl Tournament, Friday through Sunday.