The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Iowa State
Luna fires a no-hitter as No. 12 Softball slugs its way past Iowa State, 8-0
05.01.2010 | Softball
May 1, 2010
AMES, Iowa -- The No. 12 Texas Softball team run-ruled Iowa State, 8-0 on Saturday afternoon behind freshman righthander Blaire Luna's third career no-hitter and UT's five home runs. The victory improved the Longhorns to 39-10 on the year and 12-2 in Big 12 play, while the Cyclones dropped to 25-26 overall and 3-12 in conference action.
Luna (26-6) earned the win after firing her ninth complete-game shutout of the season, walking one and fanning 12. Iowa State starter Rachel Zabriskie (20-16) suffered the loss, allowing five runs on six hits, walking one and striking out six in 3.1 innings of work.
Texas jumped out to a quick 3-0 edge in the first inning courtesy of a three-run home run to left centerfield by junior catcher Amy Hooks. Sophomore leftfielder Courtney Craig led off the frame with a double off the centerfield wall and sophomore first baseman Lexy Bennett reached on an infield single to set the stage for Hooks.
Bennett added to the Horns lead in the third inning when she ripped a solo home run to deep left centerfield to push the UT edge to 4-0.
The Horns smashed two more longballs in the fourth to extend their advantage to 7-0. Senior designated player Tallie Thrasher connected for a one-out, line-drive solo home run to centerfield to start the rally. Senior centerfielder Brittany Chalk followed with a two-out single before scoring on a two-run homer by Craig.
A solo home run to left centerfield in the fifth inning by sophomore third baseman Nadia Taylor widened the Texas lead to 8-0.
Craig paced the Texas offense on the day with two hits, two runs and two RBI, while Bennett posted two hits, two runs scored and one RBI.
Texas returns to action on Sunday, May 2 when it wraps up its two-game series with Iowa State. With a win on Sunday the Longhorns can clinch at least a share of the Big 12 title. First pitch is set for Noon Central.
POST-GAME NOTES
- Texas' win improved the Longhorns' all-time record against the Cyclones to 30-1 and 11-0 in Ames.
- With a win in its series finale with Iowa State on Sunday, Texas can clinch at least a share of the Big 12 title
- Blaire Luna's no-hitter against ISU was her third of the season and first in Big 12 play.
- Courtney Craig's two-run home run in the fourth was her 12th of the season which tied the UT single-season record for homers. Craig shares the record with Desiree Williams (2009, 2006), Tallie Thrasher (2007) and Loryn Johnson (2008).
- Amy Hooks' three-run homer in the first inning was the 20th of her career, moving her into a tie for fifth-place all-time in the UT career record books. Hooks shares the spot with Wynter Turner (2002-05).
- Tallie Thrasher's solo homer in the fourth inning was her 11th of the season, moving her within one of the UT single-season home run record of 12.
- Texas' five home runs against Iowa State equaled the UT single-game record that the Horns recorded earlier this season against UC Davis (Feb. 27)
POST-GAME QUOTES
Sophomore outfielder Courtney Craig
On the windy conditions: It was pretty rough out here today, but we have experienced worse conditions. It was a challenge, but I think we dealt with it well. I think the wind helped us a little with our power numbers today, but we were also seeing the ball very well.
On the mindset: We approach every game with the mindset of an underdog. We did not think about our meeting earlier this year (non-conference). Each game is individual by itself, so we just came out and played hard like we do every day.
On tying the UT single-season home run record: I guess that means I'm doing ok. I'm really working to stay consistent and I think my consistency is paying off as I come out and try to get a little better each day.
Freshman pitcher Blaire Luna
On the windy conditions: I think after playing in some windy conditions earlier this week at Texas Tech, we were well prepared for today's weather. Going into the game you have to ignore the weather and play the game the way you know how to play. I think we did that and did that very well today.
On her performance: I felt good today. I felt very confident with (catcher) Amy (Hooks) and the offense did a great job of coming out and putting some runs on the board early in the game. Overall, I felt really confident out there.
On her approach to the game: I was working hard to stay ahead in the count and staying pitch-to-pitch. At Texas we talk about playing chess a lot and that was what I was able to do as I made adjustments throughout the game.
