March 1, 1999
COLUMBUS, Ga. - With two victories today, the Stanford University Women's Softball team won the Consolation Championship of the Gold Bracket at the NFCA Leadoff Classic. The Cardinal (13-4) defeated #15 Oklahoma State 5-1 in the semifinals and then defeated South Carolina 8-0 in the title game.
In game one, Stanford was led by freshman Sarah Beeson who had three RBI and two hits, including a two-run home run in the fifth inning. On the mound, senior Becky Blevins (8-1)was in complete control as she gave up just one hit to the Cowgirls (5-7) and struck out seven as she went the distance.
As impressive as Stanford was in the first game, the Cardinal went a step further in game two. Senior Marcy Crouch tossed her first career perfect game as she retired all 15 South Carolina batters in a game that was shortened to five innings. Though she struck only two, Crouch was in control the whole game as the Gamecocks (13-4) hit only one ball into the outfield.
Offensively, the big inning for Stanford was the third when the team put five runs on the board to take a commanding 6-0 lead. With two outs and nobody on, the Cardinal strung together five singles and a hit batter to pull away from South Carolina.
Stanford will next travel to Fullerton, California where the team will participate in the Cal State Fullerton Easton Showcase. First game for the Cardinal is Friday, March 5 when Stanford will play Pacific at 10:00 am.