Oregon State
Nebraska (UNLV Tournament)
Softball Upsets No. 8 Nebraska, 1-0, Behind A Home Run From Freshman Brianne McGowan
February 15, 2004 | Softball
Feb. 15, 2004
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Freshman Brianne McGowan's fifth inning home run provided all of the scoring as Oregon State University's softball team upset No. 8 ranked University of Nebraska, 1-0, in Sunday's final game of the UNLV Classic.
The win marks the first victory for OSU (13-4) against the Cornhuskers (2-3) since the 1998 season.
"This was a huge win for us against a ranked opponent," said OSU head coach Kirk Walker. "It was our goal to go out and play hard on Sunday."
The game shaped up to be a pitcher's dual from the start. Nebraska senior Peaches James finished with 14 strikeouts in the contest, but OSU senior Monica Hoffman (7-3) tallied her fourth shutout of the season, holding the Cornhuskers scoreless for the first time this year.
"Monica pitched a nice ballgame and really kept them from getting anything going," said Walker.
The Huskers had an opportunity to get on the board in the bottom of the fourth, when James reached on a fielder's choice, and then stole second. NU catcher Jamie Waldecker hit a grounder past Beaver shortstop Kelly Petersen and James appeared to score on the play, but was called out for runner inference.
McGowan hit the game-winning shot over the left field fence in the top of the fifth, for the first home run of her career.
"Brianne came up with a huge hit in the fifth," said Walker. "It was a great cut - she's looked better from the plate every game this season."
Hoffman struck out the final two batters of the game to secure the victory for the Beavers.
"Overall, we played very solid," said Walker. "We hope to keep the momentum going into next week."
Oregon State heads to Palm Springs where the Beavers host the first annual Palm Springs Classic at Big League Dreams from Feb. 20-22. The 18-team tournament field includes the USA Olympic Team and seven Women's College World Series participants. Tickets can be purchased through the Oregon State Ticket Office by calling 1-800-GOBEAVS.
OSU opens tourney action on Friday at 10 a.m. against Coastal Carolina.
GAME RESULTS:
Oregon State - 000 010 0 - 1 4 0
No. 8 Nebraska - 000 000 0 - 0 5 0
Hoffman and Allen (OSU), James and Waldecker (NU). WP - Hoffman (7-3). LP - James. HR - McGowan (OSU).
