Wednesday, April 11, 2001
The University Daily Kansan
Section B · Page 3
Softball splits doubleheader
By Brent Briggeman
sports@kanson.com
Kansas sportswriter
The Kansas softball team was desperate for something to build on last night as it traveled to Wichita State for a doubleheader against the Shockers.
However, the 'Hawks had to wait until the second game to find what they were looking for.
Errors and a lack of hitting plagued the 'Hawks in the first game as the Shockers took advantage of every opportunity and handed Kansas a 6-4 loss, but Kansas rebounded in the second game and won 6-2.
The Shockers took advantage of a lead offwalk and a throwing error by Kansas catcher Leah Tabb in the third, put up four runs on three hits and jumped to a 5-0 lead.
"We opened the door for them to have a huge inning," Kansas coach Tracy Bunge said.
Kansas responded with four runs in the fourth, but never drew even. The Shockers added an insurance run in the fifth.
"We can't expect to compete at a high level if we continue to let people in ballgames that shouldn't play with us," Bunge said. "We're talking about possibilities of post-season play and this is the kind of loss that will hurt us when the committee looks at our season."
The loss—the Jayhawks' fourth in a row — marked the second time in three games Kansas surrendered a big inning and suffered a loss.
"We were frustrated," Kansas shortstop Courtney Wright said. "But we never thought, 'here we go again.' We really thought a lot of it was a fluke, their hits were just finding holes."
The 'Hawks corrected their problems in the second game.
The Jayhawks, behind three hits each from left fielder Christi Musser and shortstop Courtney Wright, collected ten hits and scored six runs in Kansas' victory.
As it turned out, Pierce felt no pain and threw all seven innings, holding the Shockers to four hits and two runs as she picked up her 13th win of the season.
Perhaps the most important factor for the 'Hawks was the return of pitcher Kara Pierce. The freshman ace had been hampered by tendinitis in her throwing shoulder and saw limited action during the weekend.
The 'Hawks will travel to Washburn tomorrow afternoon and return to Big 12 Conference action Friday and Saturday against Baylor.
Edited by Matt Dougherty
Men's tennis star approaching 30-win season
Kansas junior Quentin Blakeen returns a ball in practice. Blakeen went 3-0 and improved his team-best record to 29-6 last week, and yesterday was named Big 12 Player of the Week for his efforts. Photo by Melisa Carr | KANSAN
By Aaron Johnson
sports@kansan.com
Kansas sportwriter
In a season of ups and downs for the Kansas men's tennis team, Quentin Blakey provided stability for the Jayhawks by posting the most impressive singles record in years.
Blakeney, a 6-foot junior from Charlotte, N.C., has a combined 29-6 record for the fall and spring seasons. His position at No. 3 singles helped the Jayhawks to a 13-8 record and 4-2 in the Big 12 Conference—fourth place in the Big 12 standings.
"My confidence is definitely better than last year," said Blakeney, who was 20-15 in singles play during his sophomore year.
After going 3-0 in singles action last week, which helped him earn Big 12 Player of the Week honors yesterday. Blakeney said he hoped to achieve 30 victories this season.
It would be an accomplishment no Kansas men's tennis player has notched since All-American Enrique Abara went 30-13 in 1996-97
Junior teammate Rodrigo Echagary said he realized the impressive statistics Blakeney had accomplished this year.
"He has definitely been the most consistent player on the team," Echagary said.
Blakeney impressed Kansas coach Ross Nwachukwu enough to make a dramatic jump from the No. 6 singles position last year to his current spot at No.3.
Blakeney is also helping the team with his doubles play. Blakeney and sophomore partner Pete Stroer have posted a 21-10 record and recently found themselves playing at the No. 1 doubles position.
"Pete plays with so much emotion and intensity." Blakeney said. "It is always easier when you get along with your partner."
An impressive 19-2 spring record and a five-match winning streak is just what Blakeen wants heading into the final part of the season.
Championships.'
"We are trying to go all the way to Athens, Georgia, for the Sweet Sixteen." Blakney said. "If we win the rest of the season, we can hopefully qualify for the NCAA
Echagarray said Blankeney played an important role on the team.
"Blakeney does a good job at leading the team with a winning attitude." Echagary said. "He understands his role and cherishes it as if it were his last.
— Edited by Kvlie Colaan
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