Sunday, March 8
Tucson, Ariz.
11:30 AM
Creighton University
0
vs
1
Minnesota
Minnesota Edges Bluejay Softball, 1-0, in Extras
3/8/2009 3:00:00 PM | Softball
TUCSON, Ariz. - All-American pitcher Tara Oltman continued her dominating pitching for Creighton Sunday morning, but Minnesota countered with solid pitching of its own in a 1-0 Golden Gopher victory at the Hillenbrand Invitational at Hillenbrand Stadium on the campus of the University of Arizona. Oltman took a no-hitter into the eighth inning and struck out a season-high 11 before allowing the only hit and run of the game in defeat.
Minnesota (13-13) hurler Briana Hassett allowed just one hit herself, a bunt single by Minnesota native Liz McKewon in the bottom of the third inning. Hassett, who entered the weekend with 156 strikeouts in 107 innings pitched this season, fanned 10 Bluejays and did not issue a walk to improve to 13-7.
The Bluejays (8-7) were unable to take advantage of three Gopher errors in the game, as the Jays were shutout for just the second time hits season.
Using the international tie-break rule, Heidi Carls was placed at second base to start the bottom of the eighth inning and she promptly moved to third on a sac bunt. Pinch-hitter Katie Dalen then punched a single through the left side of the Bluejay infield to give the Gophers the win.
Oltman (6-5), who came within one out of a no-hitter against Saint Joseph's on Friday, did not allow a hit to the Minnesota bats though seven innings. She settled for her second one-hitter of the weekend, striking out a season-high 11 for her ninth career game with at least 10 Ks. On the weekend, the two-time MVC Pitcher of the Year allowed just seven hits, struck out 20 and gave up no earned runs in 20.1 innings of work.
With an 0-for-3 day, Renae Sinkler's 12-game hitting streak came to an end for the Jays.
Creighton returns to the midwest and opens Missouri Valley Conference play next weekend at Evansville. The preseason Valley favorites and two-time defending regular-season champs play a doubleheader with the Purple Aces next Saturday at noon and a single game next Sunday at noon.
Minnesota (13-13) hurler Briana Hassett allowed just one hit herself, a bunt single by Minnesota native Liz McKewon in the bottom of the third inning. Hassett, who entered the weekend with 156 strikeouts in 107 innings pitched this season, fanned 10 Bluejays and did not issue a walk to improve to 13-7.
The Bluejays (8-7) were unable to take advantage of three Gopher errors in the game, as the Jays were shutout for just the second time hits season.
Using the international tie-break rule, Heidi Carls was placed at second base to start the bottom of the eighth inning and she promptly moved to third on a sac bunt. Pinch-hitter Katie Dalen then punched a single through the left side of the Bluejay infield to give the Gophers the win.
Oltman (6-5), who came within one out of a no-hitter against Saint Joseph's on Friday, did not allow a hit to the Minnesota bats though seven innings. She settled for her second one-hitter of the weekend, striking out a season-high 11 for her ninth career game with at least 10 Ks. On the weekend, the two-time MVC Pitcher of the Year allowed just seven hits, struck out 20 and gave up no earned runs in 20.1 innings of work.
With an 0-for-3 day, Renae Sinkler's 12-game hitting streak came to an end for the Jays.
Creighton returns to the midwest and opens Missouri Valley Conference play next weekend at Evansville. The preseason Valley favorites and two-time defending regular-season champs play a doubleheader with the Purple Aces next Saturday at noon and a single game next Sunday at noon.
Players Mentioned
Creighton Softball Hit-A-Thon 2025
Thursday, August 21
Creighton Baseball & Softball Fields Groundbreaking - 6/11/25
Wednesday, June 11
Creighton BET Postgame vs. St John's, 5/8/25
Thursday, May 08
Creighton Softball Highlights vs. Seton Hall, 5/4/25
Sunday, May 04
