University of Minnesota Athletics
Hassett Leads Gophers to Pair of Wins
2/7/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
The Gophers recorded wins over tournament host South Florida and Illinois State on Saturday at the Louisville Slugger Tournament in Tampa, Fla. Senior pitcher Briana Hassett had a solid day for Minnesota, recording complete-game wins in both contests.
The Gophers’ 4-3 win over the reigning BIG EAST champion Bulls came on the strength of a solid game from Hassett and steady defense. Hassett struck out three USF hitters and permitted just five hits to improve her record on the young season to 3-0.
“The win was huge. South Florida was conference champions last season and they’re getting a lot of national attention, so it was a great win for us,” co-head coach Lisa Bernstein said. “Hassett really did a fantastic job for us all day long.”
With Hassett trying to hold down the win in the bottom of the seventh, the Bulls put runners on first and second base with two outs. Minnesota freshman center fielder Dannie Skrove then made a highlight reel catch on a sinking line drive off the bat of USF shortstop Laura Fountain to secure the victory.
“It was just such an amazing catch she was completely laid out and she timed it perfectly,” Minnesota co-head coach Lisa Bernstein said. “Defense was so important to both our wins today we were able to take care of the ball, and that’s what you have to do to beat teams like South Florida.”
Against the Redbirds in the first game of the day, Hassett recorded her second complete game shutout in as many days. The senior struck out 11 Illinois State hitters on her way to the three-hit shutout. Tina Watts and Heidi Carls each drove in a run for the Gophers against the Redbirds.
Minnesota concludes play at the Louisville Slugger Tournament tomorrow with an 8:00 a.m. (CT) contest against UNC-Greensboro. Following the game, the Gophers will return to the Twin Cities, where they will play host to the 2009 Metrodome Classic at the H.H.H. Metrodome next weekend.
-UM-
The Gophers’ 4-3 win over the reigning BIG EAST champion Bulls came on the strength of a solid game from Hassett and steady defense. Hassett struck out three USF hitters and permitted just five hits to improve her record on the young season to 3-0.
“The win was huge. South Florida was conference champions last season and they’re getting a lot of national attention, so it was a great win for us,” co-head coach Lisa Bernstein said. “Hassett really did a fantastic job for us all day long.”
With Hassett trying to hold down the win in the bottom of the seventh, the Bulls put runners on first and second base with two outs. Minnesota freshman center fielder Dannie Skrove then made a highlight reel catch on a sinking line drive off the bat of USF shortstop Laura Fountain to secure the victory.
“It was just such an amazing catch she was completely laid out and she timed it perfectly,” Minnesota co-head coach Lisa Bernstein said. “Defense was so important to both our wins today we were able to take care of the ball, and that’s what you have to do to beat teams like South Florida.”
Against the Redbirds in the first game of the day, Hassett recorded her second complete game shutout in as many days. The senior struck out 11 Illinois State hitters on her way to the three-hit shutout. Tina Watts and Heidi Carls each drove in a run for the Gophers against the Redbirds.
Minnesota concludes play at the Louisville Slugger Tournament tomorrow with an 8:00 a.m. (CT) contest against UNC-Greensboro. Following the game, the Gophers will return to the Twin Cities, where they will play host to the 2009 Metrodome Classic at the H.H.H. Metrodome next weekend.
-UM-
Players Mentioned
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/ SoftballHighlights: Gophers 5, SIUE 0
Tuesday, March 10
Highlights: Gophers 4, Indiana 6
Sunday, March 08
Highlights: Gophers 2, Indiana 0
Friday, March 06
Highlights: Gophers 6, Central Michigan 1
Saturday, February 21