Nealer, Laminack combine to no-hit Providence, 9-0

Sunday, March 9, 2003

Nealer, Laminack combine to no-hit Providence, 9-0

photo by Geoff Anderson

Junior hurler Kendra Laminack pitched the final four innings of FIU's fourth-ever no-hitter late Saturday against Providence. Laminack, who struck out seven, followed starter Amanda Nealer who pitched the first inning. Providence had only one base runner in the game on a hit batsman in the first inning. The Golden Panthers finished the rain-shortened Seminole Invitational with a 2-1 record.

laying its third game of the day late Saturday at the Seminole Invitational in Tallahassee, the FIU softball team (12-17) saved its best for last, no hitting Providence (0-3) and coming away with a 9-0 victory called after five innings because of the mercy rule.

Sophomore left-hander Amanda Nealer started her second game of the day after pitching a complete game, one hitter Saturday morning against Utah. But after FIU scored three runs in its half of the inning, Nealer gave way to junior right-hander Kendra Laminack (3-5) who preserved the no hitter for the remaining four innings with seven strikeouts.

It was the fourth no-hitter in the five-year history of the Golden Panthers program and the first since 2001 when Leah Barnes tossed a perfect game against Palm Beach Atlantic.

The FIU offense banged out seven hits in support, including a first-inning leadoff inside-the-park home run by Stephanie Wolter. It was only the second home run in the career of the senior shortstop, both of which were hit inside the park. Cindy Turek followed later in that inning with a two-run double, for an early lead.

Lindsay Tippings also came through with a pair of hits, including a triple, and two RBI and Jennifer Owens had two hits and an RBI.

Providence had only one base runner in the game, that coming on a hit batsman by Nealer in the first inning.

More rain in the Tallahassee area canceled play Sunday. The Golden Panthers return home to University Park on Wednesday, March 12 for a 6:00 p.m. doubleheader against the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.