April 20, 2002
EVANSTON, Ill. - After committing two errors during Friday's game, Michigan third baseman Stephanie Volpe hit two grand slams in Saturday's game, as the No. 12 Wolverines (35-9, 9-3) defeated Northwestern (19-14-1, 7-5) 11-1 in six innings.
Brie Brown (Nashville, Tenn./Harpeth Hall) was in the circle to start the game for the 'Cats, but lasted just one and one-third innings. She was relieved by Stephanie Elliott (Goleta, Calif./Dos Pueblos) after Volpe's first round-tripper.
Elliot retired the first five batters she faced in her Big Ten debut, and did not allow a batter to advance past second until the sixth inning.
With a 6-1 lead in the sixth, Michigan singled in another run, then loaded the bases for Volpe. The game was called after the second grand slam due to the 8-run rule.
The Wildcats' run was scored off a Wolverine passed ball in the second. NU's bats were silent most of the afternoon as Michigan hurler Nicole Motycka held the offense to three hits, all in the first two innings.
Michigan State will be in town Sunday for a noon doubleheader. The game will be broadcast on WNUR 89.3 and on www.wnur.org/sports using Real Audio.