The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Oklahoma State
Willis lifts Softball over Cowgirls, 2-1
04.30.2005 | Softball
STILLWATER, Okla. -- Megan Willis' (Chandler, Ariz.) two-RBI single plated both Desiree Williams (Tucson, Ariz.) and Lacy Robinson (Highlands, Texas) and put the Longhorns ahead as the sixth-ranked Texas softball team defeated Oklahoma State, 2-1, at Cowgirl Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Meagan Denny (Crowley, Texas) tossed a two-hitter and struck out nine to help lead the Longhorns in the come-from-behind victory in their final weekend of Big 12 Conference play.
Oklahoma State (32-19, 7-10 Big 12) went ahead 1-0 in the second inning when Domini Van Nortwick led off with a solo home run, but Willis' one-out RBI single two innings later put Texas (36-11, 10-6 Big 12) ahead for good as Denny then retired 17 of the final 19 batters to end the game.
Oklahoma State's Marjorie Johnson kept Texas in check early, no-hitting the Horns through 3.1 innings until Williams blooped a single into shallow left-center field. Jacqueline Williams (Arlington, Texas) then drew a walk to put runners at first and second, and after a wild pitch advanced both runners to third and second, respectively, Robinson stepped in for Jacqueline at second. Desiree Williams and she came home on Willis' knock to left field.
Although Johnson was keeping Texas hitless early, she did give UT three base runners in the first two innings. She hit Chez Sievers (Mission Viejo, Calif.) with two outs in the first inning, and then walked Desiree Williams to lead off the second and before hitting Rachael Cook (Anna, Texas) with two outs in the frame.
Denny (8-2) tossed the full game to earn the win, allowing one run on two hits while striking out nine and walking two. Johnson (12-6) also tossed a two-hitter, but she walked five, hit three batters while striking out seven in the complete game.
Both teams return to the field on Sunday, May 1, for a 1 p.m. game that will close out the Big 12 Conference slates.
