May 12, 2004
Senior Jessica Kapchinski threw a complete game shutout on Wednesday in the Aggies' (32-18) 1-0 win over Kansas (32-27-1) in their opening game of the Big 12 Softball Tournament at the ASA Hall of Fame Stadium. Freshman Sharonda McDonald scored the lone run of the game in the first inning giving Kapchinski (17-6) all the support she would need as she walked only one and allowed four hits while striking out seven.
McDonald's run came in the top of the first after she earned a walk, stole second and advanced to third on a ground ball out by Jana James. With a 2-2 count on Adrian Gregory, Kansas pitcher Kara Pierce threw a wild pitch past the catcher allowing McDonald to stroll in from third.
"When you get into a tournament and you win those first two games then you have a legitimate shot at a championship, and that is our goal," A&M coach Jo Evans commented. "We feel very confident in our ability to do that. We do a really nice job of staying focused on the one game we are playing. Our kids weren't thinking about anything other than the game tonight and that is going to be our goal tomorrow night."
With the win the Aggies stay in the winner's bracket and will face the winner of Thursday's Missouri and Oklahoma State game. The teams will play at 8 p.m. on Field 1 at the ASA Hall of Fame Stadium.
Live audio and stats will be available on AggieAthletics.com.