March 31, 2006
Box Score
TURLOCK, Calif. - Western Washington University was shut out 3-0 by nationally ranked Cal State Dominguez Hills, then had its two other games postponed, in opening-day softball action Friday at the Tournament of Champions being played at Pedretti Park.
The Vikings, who dropped to 7-14, have not scored more than three runs in any of their last nine games. They have been held scoreless in four of those contests, one a perfect game, and have scored just 10 runs during that stretch.
Shortstop Kate Groden hit a three-run homer and Kristine Minter pitched a two-hit shutout as the Toros, ranked No.8 in the latest National Fastpitch Coaches Association/NCAA Division II Top 25, improved to 24-3.
It was the fifth home run of the season for Groden, who has driven in 34 runs. Her blast over the centerfield fence came with two outs in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Minter, who is unbeaten in nine decisions, pitched her fifth shutout of the campaign. She struck out six and walked one.
The Vikings' only hits were a single by Amanda Shiflet (Fr., Stanwood) in the second and a double by Ashley Osman (Jr., Federal Way/Jefferson) in the fourth.
Western pitcher Jackie Quint (Jr., Silverdale/Central Kitsap), now 5-6, struck out five, walked one and hit one batter.
The Vikings also were slated to play No.7-rated Cal State Bakersfield and Cal State Monterey Bay on Friday. They will now play those two games Saturday, meeting Cal State Bakersfield at 10 a.m. and Cal State Monterey Bay at 12 noon.
