March 10, 2002
PLEASANTON, Calif. - The seventh-ranked Arizona State softball team (23-6) was declared the National Invitational Softball Tournament champion Sunday after overnight rain showers made field conditions unplayable at the Pleasanton Sports Complex. The Sun Devils, who posted a 4-2 mark in the tournament, was the only team in the 14-team field to make it all the way through bracket play to the championship game undefeated (3-0), therefore earning the tournament title. The NIST title is the second in the past three years for Arizona State and the third title (1990) for the Sun Devils in the history of the tournament.
NIST Highlights:
*Erica Beach posted a 2-1 record with one shutout and a 0.33 ERA. She allowed only one earned run in 21 innings with 18 strikeouts.
*Kristen Swetel went 1-0 with one shutout and a 0.62 ERA. She also recorded her first career save against Georgia Tech.
*Kirsten Voak struck out 19 batters, including 10 against Georgia Tech for her 18th career double-digit strikeout game.
*Jennifer Forner led the team with a .357 batting average.
*Arizona State posted a .990 fielding percentage, committing only two errors.
*Arizona State stole nine of 11 bases, while opponents did not attempt a steal.
*Arizona State turned three double plays.
*Arizona State holds a 49-20 (.710) all-time record at the NIST.
Up next, Arizona State will continue its two-week road trip as they head south to Fullerton, California to compete in the KIA Klassic Tournament, beginning Wednesday, March 13 against Texas.