Wildcats Advance

The Northwestern Wildcats advance to the semi-finals of the Big Ten Tournament beating Purdue, Thursday by a score of 2-0.

Kristin Amegin led the way for the Wildcats as she had both RBI’s in the game. She got things started for the ‘Cats with a solo homerun in the bottom of the second inning, then provided the insurance run on a two out single to left in the fifth.

The two runs were more than enough for Courtnay Foster who tossed the complete game shutout allowing only four hits, striking out seven and giving up just one walk.

Purdue was unable to mount much of a threat throughout the entire game as no Boilermaker advanced past second base. Purdue now has not scored a run in 24 consecutive innings against Northwestern.

Offensively, Stephanie Churchwell continued setting the plate at the top of the lineup going 2-3 on the day. Sheila McCorkle as well turned in a 2-3 performance, as did Amegin.

Amegin’s solo-shot gives her the NU single season homerun record at 13. Her RBI in the fifth came with two outs and two runners on. Churchwell reached base on a leadoff single, advanced to second on a sacrifice and third on a passed ball. She was then thrown out at home trying to score on a Garland Cooper grounder to third. Jamie Dotson then walked to advance Cooper to second, following which came Amegin’s hit. Dotson was thrown out trying to advance to third on the play to end the inning.

Earlier in the day several Wildcats received post-season honors. At the top of the list was Garland Cooper taking home the Big Ten Player of the Year award. Head Coach Kate Drohan also was named Big Ten Co-Coach of the Year with Michigan’s Carol Hutchins. Cooper, Stephanie Churchwell, Erin Mobley and Courtnay Foster were named First Team All-Big Ten selections. Jamie Dotson and Eileen Canney receiver second team accolades.

The ‘Cats will be back in action Friday as they take on the winner of the Iowa-Penn St game. Northwestern won all its games against those opponents beating Iowa 11-1 and 2-0 and taking down Penn St 3-0 and 2-1.

Friday’s game is scheduled to begin at 4 pm CDT.