Odessa disappointed

by Pam ROBEL<br>Herald Sports Editor
| May 30, 2006 9:00 PM

Lady Tigers eliminated from state tournament after two rounds

YAKIMA — Odessa took on Sunnyside Christian in the first round of the State B softball tournament in Yakima Friday but could not find a rhythm to propel themselves to victory.

Odessa's Whitney Frederick, Jordan Frederick and Jenny Harp were retired in order to begin the first inning of play.

In the bottom of the first Harp walked the first two batters for Sunnyside Christian and then gave up a double to center that scored both base runners for the Lady Knights.

Odessa gave up one more run in the inning before ending the at bat for Sunnyside Christian.

The Lady Tigers were again retired in order after Marci Icksick and Sarah Fink were tagged out at first and Sammy Palmer popped out to third.

Odessa allowed two more hits in the bottom of the second before earning two runs in the top of the third.

Katie Nelson hit an infield single for Odessa to begin the scoring push and advanced to third on Ray Galloway's at bat. Galloway was tagged out at first.

Dani Evans singled to drive Nelson home and put the Lady Tigers on the board 5-1.

Whitney Frederick was struck out but not before allowing Evans to cross the dish on an error by Sunnyside Christian.

Odessa held Sunnyside Christian scoreless in the bottom of the inning before leaving Harp stranded at third by three consecutive outs after Harp was walked in the lead off spot.

Sunnyside Christian scored their final three runs in the bottom of the fourth, pushing the lead to 8-2 and held Odessa scoreless in the top of the fifth.

The Lady Tigers tightened up on defense to hold Sunnyside Christian at bay in the bottom of the fifth after walking two batters in the middle of the order.

Odessa scored their final run in the top of the sixth when Harp hit a solo home run over the left field fence. The small offensive spark was not enough to jump start a comeback to the Lady Tigers who fell into the consolation bracket and were eliminated from tournament play after losing 14-8 to Colton in their second game Friday.