March 16, 2002
FULLERTON, Calif. - The eighth-ranked Arizona State softball team (28-6) shutout No. 2 Arizona (28-4), 3-0 Saturday night to advance to the semifinals of the KIA Klassic Tournament in Fullerton, California.
The Sun Devils scored all three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Jennifer Forner started the inning with a double to deep center field off UA's Jenny Gladding (12-4). Forner then advanced to third base on a pass ball. Missy Hixon followed with a hard shot off the Gladding's glove that deflected into the infield for a hit while Forner scored from third.
Phelan Wright continued her hot bat with another double to right field, moving Hixon to third base. Kara Brun was then intentionally walked to load the bases for Erica Beach. The ASU career leader in RBIs then ripped a single down the third base line, scoring Hixon and Wright for the final 3-0 margin over the Wildcats.
Beach (17-3) started the game with Kirsten Voak coming in relief two different times, including the top of the seventh where she retired UA's Vandergeest, Manuma and Gladding to post her fourth save of the year.
Up next, Arizona State will face either host Cal State Fullerton or Fresno State in the semifinals slated for 11:00 a.m. Sunday.