May 21, 2005
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Madison, Wis. - UW-Green Bay made the most of its first-ever NCAA softball tournament appearance in a thrilling 1-0 victory over the eighth-seeded Oregon State Beavers Friday night at the Goodman Diamond. The win was the first ever for Green Bay over a ranked opponent, and it came in the biggest game in school history.
Senior pitcher Stephanie Hansen earned the win for Green Bay, scattering six hits and keeping the Beavers off the scoreboard with a solid Phoenix defensive effort behind her. Hansen out-dueled a sharp Briana McGowan for Oregon State, who broke the Beavers season strikeout mark in the game, fanning a career-high tying 12 Phoenix batters to up her season total to 305.
"This means more to me than anything in my life," said an elated Hansen after the win. "This team has worked so hard all season and every goal we've set for ourselves, we've met. This is our reward."
UW-Green Bay scored the game's lone run in the top of the fifth when catcher Kate Sullivan led off the inning with a single. Niki Pucci was called on to pinch run and she circled the bases when first baseman Lynsy Erickson doubled to deep left center, giving the upset-minded Phoenix a 1-0 lead. Erickson was stranded at second to end the inning.
With two outs in the bottom of the fifth, a Cambria Miranda liner past Hansen's head gave Oregon State a base runner, and Miranda advanced into scoring position with a steal of second. Pinch hitter Maggie DeWall grounded out to third to end the threat.
Mia Longfellow attempted to start a sixth inning rally for the Beavers with two-out single up the middle. Longfellow stole second, and advanced to third when Sullivan's throw skipped into the outfield. Vanessa Iapala walked to give the Beavers runners at the corners, but Hansen and the Phoenix escaped the inning with the lead intact when Adrienne Alo lined out to short.
In the bottom of the seventh, Lisa Allen threaded a single through the left side to keep Oregon State's hopes alive. Hansen struck out McGowan in a battle of the pitchers, but Miranda followed with a single up the middle to put Beavers runners on first and second. Sherina Galvan advanced the runners on a fielder's choice, leaving Oregon State down to its last out with runners on second and third. Alana Mendoza walked to load the bases and Hansen struck out Oregon State leadoff hitter Kelly Petersen to seal the upset and set off the Phoenix celebration.
"This is the biggest win in the history of this program and another stepping stone for UW-Green Bay softball," said Phoenix head coach Jean Rivett. "It's just amazing - these kids don't stop believing and they just find a way."
Next up, UW-Green Bay will face DePaul Saturday at noon. The Blue Demons defeated the host Wisconsin Badgers, 6-0, in the regional opener. Wisconsin and Oregon State will face off at 2:30 p.m. in an elimination game. The UW-Green Bay/DePaul loser will meet the elimination game winner at 5 p.m. to narrow the regional field to two for Sunday.
