April 29, 2007

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For Immediate Release
Contact: Brandon Kolditz
wkolditz@memphis.edu, (901) 871-5475

UAB (29-27, 10-13)     001 000 0 - 1 5 1
Memphis (32-23, 7-12)  010 100 X - 2 6 1
Win: Kubesch (21-10). Loss: Nelson (19-15). Save: None.
2B: (MEM) McNulty (12).
HR: (MEM) McNulty (7).

MEMPHIS - Needing to end the season with a pair of three-game conference sweeps to earn a shot at a Conference USA Tournament appearance, the University of Memphis softball team accomplished half its goal with a 2-1 victory over UAB on Sunday.

At the UM Softball Complex, the Tigers completed a three-game sweep over the Blazers with all three contests decided by a run. It is the first conference three-game sweep for Memphis in its two-year history.

"These one-run games are the worst games to coach in," said Memphis head coach Windy Thees. "But when you look back on the season, these are the memorable ones. These are the ones you remember."

Memphis will look to duplicate its results next week when it closes the regular season hosting UCF in a three-game series beginning Saturday. If the Tigers sweep the Knights, Memphis will finish anywhere between fifth and seventh in the conference. The top six team earn a spot in the C-USA Tournament. If Memphis loses once, the team is mathematically eliminated.

"It's in our control, and that's nice," Thees said. "I'm proud of the way these girls are playing right now. If we peak at the right time, there's no doubt in my mind we can sweep."

Jenna Kubesch (21-10) earned her fourth victory of the week and 21st of the year, picking up the win in all three games with UAB. The senior right-hander allowed one run on five hits, while striking out seven with one walk.

"It's been a good week," Kubesch said. "We've played really good defense. It's about that time to leave a good mark and throw everything I have."

Kubesch pitched in all seven Memphis games this week, compiling a 4-1 record with a save and a 0.84 ERA. The only loss came in a 1-0 three-hitter. She struck out 40 in 33.1 innings and walked only three.

"She pitched unbelievable all week long," Thees said. "She's in a great state of mind right now. She's pitcher of my week, that's for sure."

Leading the Tigers in hitting was Bridgette McNulty who went 2-for-3 in the game with an RBI and two runs scored. McNulty hit her seventh home run of the season in the second to give Memphis a 1-0 lead and then scored the winning run after doubling in the fourth.

The 1-0 lead after McNulty's homer held until the top of the third when UAB scored its only run of the game. Lindsay Stanley hit her second-straight infield single and stole second to place herself in scoring position. Leigh Walker then hit a two-out single to the left side to score Stanley. The Blazers nearly scored a second run in the inning with runners on second and third. Nicole Tumlin hit a ground ball to shortstop Leila Dolfo who threw to McNulty at third to apply the tag for the third out. UAB managed only two base runners after the third inning.

Memphis scored the winning run in the fourth inning on a run scored by McNulty. The senior led off the inning with a double to left and advanced to third on Leigh Rowan's second-straight hit in the game. Lindsay Kelso then knocked in McNulty with a sacrifice fly to right field.

The Tigers will host UCF beginning with a doubleheader on Saturday at noon. The two teams will play the final game of the series on Sunday at noon with the six Memphis seniors being honored before the game.

"The most important thing for our student-athletes right now is to focus on their finals," Thees said. "We're letting them finish up their papers and get their tests done in the next few days. Wednesday, we're going to regroup and put in our game plan against Central Florida. Hopefully, we take it one game at a time."

Tiger Family Day will be on Saturday, May 5. A wristband will be given with paid admission, allowing access to both the softball doubleheader and the baseball contest against UCF. It will also allow access to the Family Fun Area between 2-4 p.m. with Kidz Kountry Petting Zoo, Giant Moon Bounce, Dunk Tank and more. Wristbands are $5 for adults and $3 for children. Children 5 and under are free.