Feb. 2, 2001

Box Score

TAMPA, FL - Heather Wright belted a lead-off homer in the bottom of the third and Nicole Myers pitched a complete game, two hitter in Florida Atlantic University's softball season opener, a 5-1 victory over Northwestern University.

The Lady Owls returned to the field to fall to top-five nationally ranked University of Arizona, 5-0.

The first game saw NU jump on the board in the first inning after earning no hits through FAU miscues. It was the final run the Lady Owls would allow of the game. FAU responded in the bottom of the inning. Nynia Ybarra lead-off the game with a double, she advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Wright. Newcomer, Callie Piper doubled to left to earn the innings two RBIs. Wrights run was added in the third.

In the fourth inning, Kim Nicosia drew a one-out walk, stole second, moved to third on a wild pitch and was driven in by a Ybarra double. Michelle Shirah, who saw action in her first game since the 1999 regional due to injury, drove in the game's final run.

Game two saw the Lady Owls face their toughest opponent of the season, Arizona. UofA's billing proved right with a 5-0 no hitter against the Lady Owls. Chris Sutcliffe began the game and was dealt the loss allowing five runs, all earned through four and a third inning. Myers finished the game, allowing just one hit. Myers also earned the first game victory.

FAU will next play the University of Tennessee and Hawaii, Saturday afternoon.