March 6, 1999
TAMPA Fla. - Single elimination bracket play awaits the Purdue Softball team, although the Boilers fell 3-0 to No. 25 Florida in the final game of pool play at the Speedline Invitational in Tampa, Fla. After this morning's loss, the Boilers closed the pool portion of competition with a 3-2 record and improved overall to 6-4 on the year.
"This is a very disappointing loss," Purdue coach Carol Bruggeman said. "We had plenty of chances to score a lot of runs and just came up short."
Purdue put six hits on the scoreboard, but stranded seven base runners, five in scoring position. Senior Kristen Billen continues to be the Boiler bright spot in the lineup. The Purdue captain went 1-for-2 from the plate today and is currently batting .500 (7-for14) with three RBI and one run scored this weekend. Another standout was freshman Nicole Crouse. The newcomer took the mound with no outs in the bottom half of the first and allowed only four hits, one walk and no runs. After seeing action in seven Boiler contests, Crouse holds a 1.20 ERA and has put 29 "K's" in the book.
"Billen's senior leadership is tremendous," Bruggeman said. "She has an amazing mental approach to each at bat and Nicole did a great job. She came into a tough situation and pitched well."
Florida picked up four first inning-hits and scored all three of their runs. The Gators were led by freshman Jackie Griffin, who led off the inning with a single. Lora Pinkerton followed suit and nailed a single up the middle and Ashley Boone kept the rally alive by reaching on a fielder's choice. The trio later scored on singles by Jennifer Lutsl and Nicole Kreipl.
The Boilers will play ball again at 5 p.m. today with their opponent dependant upon the outcome of pool play.