The University of Utah softball team was eliminated Friday from the College World Series.
In the morning the Utes bowed to Fresno State, 2-0. In an afternoon game the Utes bowed to Missouri in extra innings, 2-0.In the opener, the Utes were held to one hit, a single by Amy Timmel. Fresno State got six hits off Janet Womack, scoring both its runs in the third inning. Singles by Donna McDaniel and Dina Lopez, a misplay on Julie Smith's grounder, an RBI grounder by RaeAnn Pifferini and a wild pitch accounted for the two runs.
"There were several poor choices made in the third inning that cost us the ballgame. I credit that to our team having the freshman jitters. Our whole infield is freshmen. Fresno put great pressure on us and came to play," Utah coach Jo Evans said.
Against Missouri, Womack had a no-hitter until the seventh inning. She wound up giving up five hits. Missouri scored its runs in the top of the ninth. Karie Kearns reached base on an error. Shawn Way singled, advancing Kearns to second. Jill Brent singled to load the bases. Rachelle Johnson singled in Kearns. Kellie Leach then singled in Brent to end the scoring.
Utah had five hits against Missouri and left eight on base.
"We had several chances to win the game. We had opportunities we didn't take advantage of. This game shouldn't have gone nine innings . . . We didn't play defense as well as we have been. I think Janet can pitch with any pitcher in this tournament," Evans said.
This was Utah's third trip in 10 years to the College World Series. They went in 1982 and 1985.
Utah's overall season record ended at 28-16. Womack ended with a 22-10 record.