Black Throws One-Hit Shutout as Thunderbirds Sweep Centenary

SHREVEPORT, La. - March 26 - Southern Utah University softball was able to pick up its first series sweep of the year with a 3-0 victory at Centenary on Saturday afternoon behind a one-hit, complete game shutout by Heather Black. The win improves the Thunderbirds' record to 12-18 overall and 7-2 in league play.

Black surrendered the Ladies in order during the first, fourth and sixth innings as the Thunderbirds put the first run on the board in the top of the second. Three SUU hits during the frame culminated in an RBI single by Jenavieve Purcell, scoring Nicole Huntsman from second.

Centenary had its first scoring chance in the third as a walk quickly became a runner on third base after a pair of stolen bases. However, a final pop up ended the frame with the next scoring threat not coming until the bottom of the seventh.

Southern Utah extended its lead by two in the top of the seventh as Cora Cordova, Purcell and Aly Daniels began the inning with three consecutive singles. A sacrifice fly and ground ball RBI rounded out the scoring on the day as a final ground ball ended the frame.

The game looked all but over the home half of the inning as a strikeout and pop up put two quick outs on the board. The quick start slowed as Centenary loaded the bases on a walk, error and an errant pitch that hit a batter. However, Black's eighth strikeout of the day ended the inning and the game as Southern Utah picked up the 3-0 victory.

SUU will continue its season next weekend when the Thunderbirds take part in a tournament hosted by Utah Valley University. Southern Utah is slated to face Northern Colorado and Utah Valley in games that have been moved to the University of Utah because of renovations to the softball diamond in Orem.

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Players Mentioned

#7 Heather Black: P; 5' 10"; Junior

#1 Cora Cordova: INF; 5' 5"; Freshman

#22 Aly Daniels: INF; 5' 6"; Senior

#13 Nicole Huntsman: 1B; 5' 6"; Sophomore

#2 Jenavieve Purcell: OF; 5' 7"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#7 Heather Black
: 5' 10"; Junior
: P

#1 Cora Cordova
: 5' 5"; Freshman
: INF

#22 Aly Daniels
: 5' 6"; Senior
: INF

#13 Nicole Huntsman
: 5' 6"; Sophomore
: 1B

#2 Jenavieve Purcell
: 5' 7"; Senior
: OF