Jan. 31, 2003

Box Score

San Marcos, Texas - The Texas Tech Lady Raider softball team kicked off their 2003 campaign today in San Marcos, Texas. Tech had a tough first game but came out strong in their second game. Tech faced Oregon after being shut out by Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, 4-0. In the previous game, Oregon shut out A&M-CC 10-0.

Play would begin with an Oregon score in the first but a strong defensive effort by Tech emerged in the second inning to hold the Ducks scoreless until the top of the bottom of the sixth, with third baseman Andrea Joachims throwing out three consecutive batters at first. Esmerelda Perez bunted at the top of the fourth to give Tech its first hit, ending Oregon's Amy Harris no-hitter game.

The third inning saw double play action from Kristi Robles, Britney Stole and Shayne Gipson. Tech's offense responded with a homerun by Kelly Rhyne to tie up the score, her first home run as a Lady Raider. Making her first appearance was Erin Crawford who relieved Blair in the bottom of the sixth with one man on base. Crawford completed the inning but one run was scored ending the game with a 2-1 Oregon finish.

In the season opener against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Shayne Gipson earned her first hit as a Lady Raider when she hit down the center. Kristina Blair relieved Amie Stines at the top of the fifth. Blair with the aid of Tech's defense allowed no runs for the remainder of the game.

Play will continue tomorrow with Tech facing Southwest Texas and Arkansas.