March 6, 1999

Tucson, AZ -

The Red Raider softball team split its two games today in the first round of pool play in the Hillenbrand Invitational Tournament at the University of Arizona.

In game one against conference nemesis Kansas, the Red Raiders continued their early morning struggles as the Raiders were shutout 1-0. Tech was led by senior third-basemen Kim Martinez who recorded two hits on three at-bats. The game remained scoreless through the bottom of the eighth as the Red Raiders were unable to capitalize on a bases loaded situation with no-outs. The Jayhawk defense recorded three straight outs to deny Texas Tech the victory.

In the ninth inning, KUs Katie Malone singled to centerfield and drove home pinch runner Amy Hulse for the winning score.

In game two against Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish came out swinging in the third inning to go ahead 2-0. But Tech would rally in the fourth inning scoring five runs to bring the score to 5-2. Techs fourth inning charge was led by Lauren Warner who hit an RBI single to score the teams first run of the day.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Irish would try to mount a comeback as freshmen Jara Myers hit her third homerun of the season to bring the Irish within two. But, it wasnt enough as Tech would answer with a three run charge in the top of the fifth to bring the final score to 8-3.

Tech will face #12 Louisiana State at 11:00a.m. (CT) and #2 Arizona at 5:00p.m. (CT). The Red Raiders will begin tournament play at 6:00p.m. (CT) tomorrow night.