UCLA
Washington
No. 1 Softball Splits Doubleheader with No. 6 Washington
June 21, 1999 | Softball
May 15, 1999
Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score
LOS ANGELES - Home runs by Bruin slugger Stacey Nuveman and Husky pitcher Jennifer Spediacchi proved to be the difference Saturday, as the top-ranked UCLA softball team split a Pac-10 doubleheader with No. 6 Washington 2-0 and 0-1 at UCLA's Easton Softball Stadium. Both teams closed out the regular season Saturday, with UCLA finishing 55-6 overall and 22-6 in the Pac-10, while Washington ends up 44-17 overall and 15-12 in conference action. Both teams await tomorrow's NCAA Selection Show to find out which regional tournament they will be competing in.
In game one, Stacey Nuveman broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the sixth, blasting her 28th home run of the season, a two-run shot off Washington pitcher Jamie Graves. It was all the Bruins would need as starting pitcher Courtney Dale gave up just two hits in the game, holding the Huskies scoreless to pick up her 28th victory of the season. Recently selected the Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year, Dale is now 28-1 on the season, with a 1.05 ERA. Nuveman finished the game 2-for-3, with that home run and two RBI.
In game two, Bruin pitcher Amanda Freed and Husky starter Jennifer Spediacchi battled it out until the top the fourth. Despite turning in an excellent pitching performance, it was Spediacchi's bat that proved to be the difference in the game, as her fourth-inning home run powered Washington to the 1-0, game-two victory over the top-ranked Bruins. Freed, who also had an impressive game on the mound giving up just two hits, falls to 24-4 on season. In addition, she was one of only two Bruins (Nuveman being the other) to register two hits on the afternoon, finishing game one 2-for-3 with a run scored. Bruin center fielder Christie Ambrosi registered UCLA's only hit in game two.
Washington's 1-0 victory in game two marked the first time the Bruins have been held scoreless all season and only their sixth loss in 61 games.
