STANFORD, Calif. -- Freshman NiJaree Canady turned in an historic performance on Friday, throwing her second no-hitter of the season and striking out 18 to lead the No. 14 Stanford Cardinal past the Villanova Wildcats 3-0.
Canady (6-0) added her sixth win of the season to her outstanding performance. The right-hander struck out 18 for Stanford (16-2) on her way to the record books. Canady is the first Cardinal pitcher to throw multiple no-hitters in a single season since Teagan Gerhart finished with three in 2010. The freshman also broke her career record of 16 strikeouts set against Liberty, only one short of Missy Penna's Stanford record of 19 set in 2009.
In the batter's box, the Cardinal were paced by sophomore Allie Clements who brought in two RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Cardinal took the lead for good in the second, scoring off of Clements' two-RBI double.
The Cardinal also added a run in the fifth inning when Taylor Gindlesperger ran home off of a Villanova error.
GAME NOTES
» Canady tossed a zero-hit shutout for the Cardinal, striking out 18 Wildcats hitters.
» The Cardinal recorded five hits.
» Stanford pitchers faced 23 Villanova hitters in the game, allowing one ground balls and two fly balls while striking out 18.
» Clements led the Cardinal at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a double and two RBI.