Monday, April 30, 2007
Seniors Kassie Humphreys and Nicole Washburn played their final game at Arrocha Ballpark on Sunday and had one word to describe it.
“Emotional.”
In its final home series of the season, the Kansas softball team (32-19-1, 7-9) split two games with No. 3 Oklahoma (49-7, 14-4).
The Jayhawks beat the Sooners 2-0 on Saturday for their third victory against a ranked team this season. It was also the highest-ranked opponent they’ve beat since defeating No. 2 Texas last season.
The 735 fans in attendance for Sunday’s game watched a 13-4 loss that might have looked one-sided, but wasn’t to coach Tracy Bunge.
“I’m really pleased with the way our team has come out and played recently,” she said.
The Jayhawks found themselves behind 2-0 after the first inning and after a six run third inning made the score was 8-0 in favor of the Sooners.
“A lot of teams you get down 8-0, you give up and take it home, but our kids made Oklahoma scratch and claw,” Bunge said.
Humphreys (18-11) started the game for Kansas, and after allowing seven runs off seven hits, she walked off the pitchers circle for the last time at Arrocha Ballpark.
“Kassie didn’t quite have the stuff she had yesterday,” Bunge said.
Humphreys threw a two-hitter complete game, striking out six in Saturday’s victory. She said the difference between the two games was Oklahoma’s patience at the plate.
“I just couldn’t keep them off balance,” Humphreys said.
Sophomore Valerie George came in for Humphreys and pitched three innings, allowing five runs on five hits striking out four. A blister on her right hand bothered her enough that freshman pitcher Sarah Vertelka came in the game to finish the game.
Kansas was able to close the gap to 8-2 in the fourth inning with sophomore catcher Elle Pottorf’s lead-off home run that soared over the right-field fence.
pullquote
A lot of teams you get down 8-0, you give up and take it home, but our kids made Oklahoma scratch and claw.
-coach Tracy Bunge
Humphreys followed with a walk and advanced to third on a double by sophomore third baseman Val Chapple. With two outs, junior left fielder Betsy Wilson singled up the middle to bring in sophomore Erika Simington, who pinch ran for Humphreys.
“We continue to fight, no matter what the score is,” Bunge said. “Our kids do not quit and I’m proud of them for hanging in there.”
Oklahoma answered in the top of the fifth with two solo home runs. The Sooners offense got four home runs from four different batters and had 14 hits.
Bunge said she was pleased with the team’s relentless play in the past six games and said the team is playing with more confidence, energy and intensity.
“It was a tough day and a tough loss on Senior Day, but I’m proud of the way we’re playing,” she said.
Kansan sportswriter Evan Kafarakis can be contacted at ekafarakis@kansan.com.
— Edited by Ryan Schneider
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