Saturday, February 23, 2008

Softball: Delaney Throws No-No in Opener

On Friday evening No. 2 Northwestern defeated the Oregon Ducks 7-0 behind a stellar performance by sophomore pitcher Lauren Delaney in the Wildcats' first game of the Palm Springs Classic.

Delaney (4-0) went the distance and recorded a career-high 17 strikeouts and did not allow a hit on the day. It was Delaney's second career no-hitter. Her first came April 28 against Illinois in conference play, and it is the 38th no-hitter in NU history.

Last year NU ace Eileen Canney threw a no-hitter in the same tournament against the California Golden Bears.

With the win the Cats moved to 5-0 on the season, and have now defeated every team in the Pac-10 during Coach Kate Drohan's career at NU.

Heading in to the seventh inning Delaney had struck out eight consecutive batters, but a bunt attempt halted the streak. Delaney struck out the following two, capping off the 17 strikeout performance.

Kelly Dyer and Tammy Williams each recorded two hits on the day, while freshman Michelle Batts walked three times.

Oregon moved to 6-7 with the loss.

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