Feb. 16, 2003
TUCSON, Ariz. - It took some late-game heroics, but the Northwestern softball team dug deep to earn a victory Sunday. The Wildcats scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, including three with two outs, to post a 5-3 victory over Florida International. Freshman Ashley Crane highlighted the rally with a game-winning, two-run home run.
The win gave the Wildcats a 2-1 record at the Pepsi Arizona Classic and moved their overall record to 5-3. FIU fell to 4-11.
Carri Leto started the game-winning rally with a bunt single. She advanced to second on a wild pitch and then scored on a base hit by Jamie Dotson and an ensuing throwing error by the right fielder.
After the Golden Panthers recorded the next two outs, J.C. Kira came through with a game-tying single, scoring pinch runner Jenny Glonke from third base. Crane then connected on the first long ball of the season and her career, providing the winning runs.
FIU had two runners reach base in the top of the seventh with only one out, but Courtnay Foster, who came on in relief of Brie Brown, recorded the final two outs to pick up the win.
Florida International struck first in the top half of the second inning. The Golden Panthers recorded four hits in the inning, but settled for only one run. FIU added two runs to its lead with a two-run home run by Marleah Stapf in the third inning.
NU finally got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as Erin Mobley led off with a triple and scored on a sacrifice fly by Leto. Northwestern loaded the bases in the bottom of the fifth, but was unable to score. However, the rally in the sixth provided enough offense for the victory.
Foster allowed just three hits in 4 2/3 innings of relief, striking out six and walking none.
The Wildcats return to play Feb. 28-March 2 when they participate in the Worth Invitational in Fullerton, Calif.