April 03, 2004
The Texas A&M softball team (21-16, 3-1) fought through 26 mile per hour winds, with 36 mile per hour gusts, to defeat the Iowa State Cyclones (9-18, 1-2), 3-0, at the Southwest Athletic Complex. Senior Jessica Kapchinski threw her third complete game in a row and improved to 6-5, 2-1 in conference, after holding the Cyclones to one hit while striking out 10. Designated player Kristen Gunter provided all the run support Kapchinski would need with a two-run single in the fourth inning.
Gunter knocked in the Aggies' first two runs with a line drive single to left that scored Jana James and Adrian Gregory. James scored from third after walking, stealing second and advancing to third on Gregory's single. Gregory scored from second after recording her 14th stolen base in 14 attempts.
Freshman Lisa Gorzycki entered as a pinch runner for Gunter and scored the Aggies' third run on a throwing error by Cyclone short stop Cary Akins. Akins fielded a Laura Durham grounder and threw it over the first baseman's head allowing Gorzycki to score from third after she stole second and advanced to third on a fly ball to center field.
"It is always critical to win the first game of a two-game set," A&M coach Jo Evans said. "Jessica (Kapchinski) did a really nice job. I thought she kept the hitters off balance and made them chase some bad pitches. I think she was in good control of the game. It is really tough for a hitter to hit in wind like this. It makes it challenging. I am excited that we took advantage of the opportunities that we had. We helped ourselves out by stealing some bases and putting ourselves in scoring position. Kristen Gunter stepped up with a timely hit, which is something we have needed all year. It is a great win for us. Every win in conference is a great win."
The Aggies and Cyclones face off in their second game on Sunday at noon at the Southwest Athletic Complex. Live stats will be available on AggieAthletics.com.