Wednesday, March 21, 2002

IU splits two with No. 23 Minnesota, 4-0, 3-1, on Wednesday night at University Park.

Amanda Nealer pitched a complete game one hitter in game two for a 3-1 win. The left-hander struck out three while allowing only one run for her eighth win of the season.

The Golden Panthers (26-19) scored all three of their runs unearned on three Golden Gopher (20-8) errors. Lindsay Tippings and Crystal Boyer both had two hits, while Kristen Perry smacked a double.

Minnesota used the long ball in the first game nailing two over the fence by Shelly Nichols and Anne Thul. Thul's came as a pinch hitter to lead the Golden Gophers to a 4-0 win.

FIU's Vanessa Preston took the loss in three and 1/3 innings of work. Leah Barnes pitched the rest of the way, giving up no runs and one hit.

The Golden Panters will now take a short trip to Boca Raton, FL and play in the FAU Parents Weekend Tournament. The tournament starts on Friday and concludes on Sunday.