Michigan State University
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Western Michigan
Spartan Softball Defeats Western Michigan, 1-0
4/10/2007 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 10, 2007
KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Michigan State softball team (20-17) played its first game since April 3 on Tuesday, defeating Western Michigan (12-13), 1-0. Left fielder Traci Nicosia delivered the winning RBI in the sixth inning for the Spartans.
Senior hurler Rachel Turney made the start and earned her first save of the year in the circle, allowing just one hit, while striking out six in 4.0 innings of work. Junior Lesley Noel made her 20th relief appearance of the season, allowing three hits in 3.0 innings to improve to 4-2 for the year. The Broncos failed to draw a walk in the contest.
Bronco pitcher Kyla Sullivan worked a complete game and allowed four hits and one earned run in the loss.
Traci Nicosia tallied one hit and one RBI to lead the Spartans at the plate, while center fielder Nikki Nicosia added one hit and one run. Catcher Kara Weigle delivered her team-leading 45th hit of the season, and shortstop Meghan Darhower (1-for-2) tallied her fourth double of the year.
Both teams were quiet offensively until the bottom of the fourth when Western Michigan posed a strong threat with a runner on third and two outs. Noel held strong, forcing her third consecutive groundout to end the inning.
State scored the lone run of the game in the sixth inning when Nikki Nicosia tallied a leadoff single, and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Jessica LeFevre and groundout by Weigle. Nicosia scored on an RBI single by sister Traci for the deciding 1-0 Spartan upperhand.
Turney returned to the circle in the bottom half of the seventh with no outs and a runner on first for the Broncos. Spartan third baseman Caitlin Mahoney made a strong throw for the force play at second and pinch hitter Albani Shepherd struck out for the second out of the inning. Turney hit the next Bronco batter, but recovered with a groundout to second base to close the 1-0 MSU victory.
State scored one run on four hits, while WMU tallied four hits in the loss. Neither team recorded an error in the field.
Michigan State continues non-conference play, hosting Central Michigan for a single game at Old College Field on Wednesday. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.
