Oct. 1, 2008

TULSA, Okla. - The University of Tulsa softball team plays host to its "Welcome Back Alumni" weekend Saturday, Oct. 4, as the Golden Hurricane will play a doubleheader against Rogers State at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., before hosting an alumni game at 1 p.m.

The alumni game will feature former Hurricane players on separate teams. All TU fans are encouraged to make the softball festivities a part of their celebration of "Take Me back to Tulsa" Homecoming on Saturday.

The Hurricane, meanwhile, won three games last week, including a victory at Arkansas, to stay perfect during the fall softball season.

The Golden Hurricane beat Northern Oklahoma College last Wednesday 5-0, and last weekend beat Arkansas 9-6 and Pittsburg State 3-0 in Fayetteville, Ark. Earlier this year, TU beat Seminole State 9-3 and Northeastern State 9-2.

In the win against Northern Oklahoma College, freshman utility athlete Skylar Swanson lead the way with three hits and scored a run, while junior pitcher Jackie Lawrence and sophomore first baseman/outfielder Lauren Menke each had two RBI. Lawrence started the game and gave up two hits, struck out five and walked one in 4.0 innings. Senior Katie Lee threw 3.0 innings and gave up only one hit, while striking out three batters.

Against Arkansas, TU put up 11 hits and four players - junior designated player Lauren Lindsay, senior leftfielder Brooke Smart, sophomore second baseman Kelly Chapman and Menke - each recorded two hits. Freshman outfielder Jessica Stoelke contributed three RBI, while Lindsay and junior catcher Christian Timmons each added two RBI.

Lee started and allowed four earned runs on four hits and struck out four in 4.0 innings. Lawrence tossed 3.0 innings, allowing five hits and two earned runs. The Hurricane bats made all the difference in the game with two big innings, putting up four runs in the second and three runs in the third frame. TU also got two runs in the top of the fifth to seal the victory.

In the 3-0 victory over Pittsburg State, sophomore pitcher Jordan Kinard threw a complete-game shutout, giving up only two hits walked three and struck out five. Lindsay and Chapman combined for four of the team's seven hits, each going 2-for-3. Lindsay, Menke and Chomicki each pushed a run across the plate.

All TU softball fall games are open to the public. A full schedule of fall exhibition games is available at www.TulsaHurricane.com.