March 30, 2002
TEMPE, Ariz. - The sixth-ranked Arizona State softball team (30-9, 0-2 Pac-10) fell to second-ranked Arizona (33-4, 2-0 Pac-10), 10-1 in five innings tonight at Farrington stadium in front of 1,281 spectators. The Wildcats scored four runs in the first and six in the second to end the game.
Arizona hit back to back home runs by Lenneah Manuma and Jennie Finch, while Jenny Gladding singled in a run to put UA up 4-0. UA tagged on six more in the second, four courtesy of a Jackie Coburn grand slam.
The Sun Devils avoided the shutout with a single run in the third inning. Missy Hixon opened with a double to left center. Phelan Wright walked and Kara Brun singled to load the bases. Nichole Thompson then hit into a fielder's choice to score Hixon.
The Sun Devils had scoring chances, but could not plate more than one run as they left eight runs on base.
Beach (18-6) started the game and then came back in to end up with four innings pitched. She allowed six hits and two earned runs with five strikeouts. Kristen Swetel pitched one third of an inning, allowing six earned runs on four hits. Kirsten Voak also pitched two-thirds of an inning, giving up one hit and no earned runs.
Gladding (14-4) started for the Wildcats, going three innings with five hits and one run. Finch pitched the final two innings with two hits.
Up next, Arizona State will host top-ranked UCLA on Friday at 6:00 p.m.