Michigan
41-13-1
Penn State
35-16
Wolverines Blank Lions, Advance in Big Ten Tournament
5/11/2000 12:00:00 AM | Softball
The Wolverines capitalized on a second-inning infield throwing error by Penn State third baseman Jennifer Tripken, scoring Melinda Moulden (LaCrescenta, Calif./Crescenta Valley HS) who reached on a leadoff walk. A delayed double steal sent Mary Conner (Lake Orion, Mich./Lake Orion HS) home for the second Michigan run and put Kim Bugel (Oak Forest, Ill./Oak Forest HS) at second base. Those two runs proved to be the only ones Michigan needed as Penn State pitcher Tanis Ambelang (11-5) allowed just one of the Wolverines' three hits over the last four innings but put three U-M runners on base by walk.
The U-M defense, led by pitcher Marie Barda (Darien, Ill./Hinsdale South HS), was tested early. After placing leadoff hitter Karen Guilini on base with a walk and giving up an infield single to Gina Bianchini, Barda threw the two Nittany Lions out at third base on consecutive shots to the circle. Penn State loaded the bases with two outs, but Barda forced an unassisted groundout to first baseman Marissa Young (Santa Ana, Calif./Mater Dei HS) to stop the rally.
Barda (17-6) allowed five more hits before being relieved with one out and PSU runners on second and third in the top of the seventh. Jamie Gillies (Saugus, Calif./Saugus HS) entered the game and picked up her third save of the season -- her second in three games -- with a flyout to shallow centerfield and a strikeout.
Stefanie Volpe (Plymouth, Mich./Plymouth-Salem HS), Rebecca Tune (Aloha, Ore./Jesuit HS) and Conner each singled for the Wolverines. Erin Norton (3-for-3) and Guilini (2-for-3) led the Nittany Lions' seven-hit attack with Guilini recording the only extra base hit, a double in the seventh.
Maize 'n Blue Diamond Gems
Penn State has yet to score a run against the Michigan pitching staff this season, dropping three season meetings by shutouts and a combined 13-0 score over the 19 innings.
Jamie Gillies has five saves for her career with the three in the 2000 season her career best for one season. . . . Stefanie Volpe continues her season-ending hitting streak, going 6-for-10 over the last three games. . . . Rebecca Tune has enjoyed Penn State pitching this season, totaling four hits in three games. . . . U-M is 16-3 in Big Ten Tournament games.
Q U O T E S
Michigan Head Coach Carol Hutchins
On the game ... "This was an exciting game -- Penn State played outstanding and I was pleased with the effort our pitchers (Marie Barda, Jamie Gillies) who shut down Penn State when we needed it the most. The hit-and-run with Mary Conner and Kim Bugel in the second was effective, and was key in producing our runs."
On facing either Northwestern or Iowa on Saturday evening ... "I look for us to play either one much better than we did three weeks ago (April 21-23). I look for us to come into Friday night's game confident, with our defense playing well and making the plays. I can't wait to see us bust out the hits."
On the team's plans ... "We'll eat a good dinner, rest and begin to focus on what we do best -- play relaxed. We are at our best when we are relaxed and loose around the edges."
Junior Pitcher Marie Barda
On her approach to the Penn State game ... "I went into the game relaxed and focused on what my catcher (Kim Bugel) wanted me to do."
Senior Pitcher Jamie Gillies
On taking final PSU batter Tanis Ambelang to a 3-0 count before striking her out ... "I knew I had an open base and I was in control of my pitches, so I just kept relaxed and went with the called pitches."
On her performances over the last two weeks ... "I am feeling confident in my throws and confident in whatever role Hutch (coach Carol Hutchins) puts me in. It's all about the team."
Contact: Amy Carlton (734) 763-4423
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Barda, Marie (17-6)
L: Tanis Ambelang (11-5)
S: Gillies, Jamie (3)
Batting:
2B: Karen Gulini 1
SH: Terra Pracht 1
Base Running:
SB: Karen Gulini 1 ; Gina Bianchini 1
Batting:
SH: Conner, Mary 2 ; Bugel, Kim 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Moulden, Melinda 1 ; Conner, Mary 1
SB: Conner, Mary 1 ; Bugel, Kim 1
