Spartan Softball Falls To CMU, 3-0

April 25, 2007

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State dropped a 3-0 decision to visiting Central Michigan on Wednesday at Old College Field. The Spartans fall to 26-24, while the Chippewas improved to 18-17 in the non-conference victory.

Junior Lesley Noel (6-7) started in the circle for the Spartans, allowing four hits and three earned runs in three innings of work. Senior hurler Rachel Turney tossed three innings of hitless relief, marking her third straight scoreless relief appearance.

Three CMU pitchers combined for the shutout victory, led by starter Kari Seddon (3-5), who allowed just one hit in three innings. Relievers Jill DeRoche and Ali Pettit each allowed three hits in two innings in the circle.

State matched a season high with 12 runners left on base in the game. Junior center fielder Nikki Nicosia and senior right fielder Nicole Mercado each contributed two hits for the Green and White.

CMU scored its first run of the contest in the bottom of the first on an RBI single by third baseman Amy Hudson. Chippewa right fielder Christina Novak delivered a two-run double in the fourth, and State failed to capitalize on three bases-loaded opportunities in the fourth, fifth and six innings in the 3-0 loss.

State tallied seven hits, while Central Michigan scored three runs on four hits, committing one error in the field.

Michigan State resumes Big Ten play when it hosts Wisconsin for a two-game series, Friday (4 p.m.) and Saturday (1 p.m.) at Old College Field. State will continue weekend action against Minnesota in a doubleheader scheduled to begin at noon on Sunday. Livestats and free radio broadcasts of all four Big Ten contests will be available via msuspartans.com. Scott Moore, voice of the National Champion Michigan State ice hockey team, will handle play-by-play duties. The twinbill against the Golden Gophers will also serve as Senior Day for the seven senior members of the team.