March 4, 2000

BRISTOL, Tenn. – The University of Kentucky softball team dropped bothgames on the opening day of the State Line Classic.

In the first game, Virginia Tech jumped on the scoreboard in the top ofthe first when Bronwyn Blair hit a solo shot over the left field fence off UKpitcher Jen Howland’s first pitch of the game.

UK tied the game in the bottom of the fourth when Angie Dal Pozzo stolethird, but came home on a throwing error by Virginia Tech catcher Bethany Bird.

With the game tied, 1-1, going into extra innings, the Hokies put onerun across using the international tiebreaker (putting the last out from theprevious inning on second base) when Blair scored on a base hit from second byClarissa Crowell.

The Cats tied the game in the bottom of the eighth when Howland scoredon a fielder’s choice by Lyndsey Angus.

Tech (6-2) erupted for four runs in the top of the ninth inning, whilethe Cats could only manage one run in the bottom of the inning, as the Hokieshalted UK’s winning streak at three with a 6-3 victory. Angus and Dal Pozzoeach recorded two hits for UK.

In UK’s second game, the Cats squared off against SEC-foeTennessee. TheCats fell behind 7-0 but got on the board in the bottom of the sixth whenjunior Tiffany Kruse hit her second career home run and first of the season, asolo round-tripper to right center.

UK (7-11) put two more runs across in the bottom of the seventh. BethFogle scored on an error by Tennessee second baseman Maura Mollett. AndiEilertson scored when Leslie Kwiatkowski singled to first base. The Cats wouldget no closer, falling 7-3 to the Lady Vols (9-6).

UK returns to action on Sunday in the State Line Classic when the Catstake on Notre Dame at 10 a.m.

                                        R H EVa. Tech        1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4       6 7 2UK              0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1       3 6 3

WP Crowell, Dobbe (4-1) and Bird, Love, LP Howland (3-3) and Angus. 2B DalPozzo (UK) HR Blair (Va. Tech)Records Va. Tech (6-2), UK (7-10).

                                R H EUT      1 0 2 0 4 0 0           7 10 3UK      0 0 0 0 0 1 2           3 6 2

WP Poole (3-1) and Wilson, LP Camunas (3-7) and Angus. 2B Venable (UT), HRKruse (UK)Records UT (9-6), UK (7-11).