Cowgirls Shut Out Cornell, Face Hofstra

Oklahoma State’s Anna Whiddon struck out seven hitters Saturday to help lead her team to a 7-0 victory over Cornell and advance in the NCAA tournament.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:45 am

By: News On 6

Originally Published: May 22, 2010 9:38 PM CDT

Stephany Speck
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

TUSCON, Arizona -- The Oklahoma State Cowgirls advanced in the NCAA Regionals Saturday, shutting out the Cornell Bears 7-0.

OSU senior Anna Whiddon (22-9) threw a complete game, allowing five hits in the 26 batters she faced. She struck out seven hitters as she led her team to victory from the pitcher’s circle.

The Cowgirls (44-15) posted five of their seven runs in the top of the third inning when Cornell’s Ali Tomlinson faced pinch hitter Sam Heinlein with the bases loaded.

Heinlein produced a single up the middle, which was enough to send Mariah Gearhart from third and Julie Ward from second to put OSU up 2-0. The Cowgirls posted three more runs in the inning to take a commanding 5-0 lead.

The Bears, unable to come up with an answer for Widdon, struggled at the plate. The Pokes returned in the top of the fourth to tack on two additional runs for the 7-0 win.

Tomlinson finished with the loss for Cornell, having pitched 2.2 innings. She gave up four hits and four earned runs.

The Cowgirls are scheduled to face Hofstra as they look to advance in the NCAA tournament.