Softball Falls to Southern Miss in NCAA Regional Opener
May 20, 1999
BATON ROUGE, La. - Southern Mississippi's Courtney Blades threw a two-hitter as the Golden Eagles defeated Oregon State, 1-0, in the first game of the NCAA Regional Softball Tournament at Tiger Park on Thursday.
Tarrah Beyster allowed just four USM hits, but two came in the fourth inning. Chrystal Stevens had a one-out double to start the Southern Miss (49-6) rally, but Blades fouled out to third base for the second out. Jennifer Ford then singled to left field to drive in the game's only run.
"They got timely hitting, and that was the difference for them," said coach Kirk Walker. "We didn't have any timely hitting, and that's why we didn't have any runs cross the plate."
OSU (44-24) started off strong in the first inning, but it could not capitalize on its chances to score. Shawna Feldt led off the inning with a walk, and Brooke Rutschman singled to put runners on first and second with no outs. But Jodi Chmielewski and Beyster both flew out, and Jenni Jodoin grounded to Blades to end the inning.
Parisa Plant had OSU's only other hit with a single in the second inning. Beyster walked to start off the fourth inning, and Michelle Chariton reached on an error in the fifth inning, but the Beavers failed to get runners past first base after the first inning.
"It is definitely frustrating to lose this game," Beyster said. "I think all we can do is learn from the mistakes that we made by not adjusting to the pitcher and by not taking advantage of the times we had runners in scoring position."
Beyster dropped to 27-11 after taking the loss for OSU. She struck out two batters to go along with four hits and no walks. Blades improved to 40-3 and had 11 strikeouts.
"Overall, it was a hard-fought game," Walker said. "(Blades) did a nice job today. I don't think we adjusted to her well."
The Beavers return to action in the double elimination tournament at 2 p.m. PDT, Friday, May 21. OSU will take on the winner of the Louisiana State/Southern University contest that is scheduled for 5 p.m. PDT Thursday.
"We are still in this, and we are looking forward to playing tomorrow," Beyster said. "Hopefully we will be in that championship game on Sunday."
Game Results
No. 4 Southern Mississippi 000 100 0 - 1 4 1 No. 3 Oregon State 000 000 0 - 0 2 1
Blades and Peters. Beyster and Kranz. WP- Blades (40-3). LP- Beyster (27-11). 2B- Stevens (USM). 3B- Johnson (USM).
