So much for superstition.
Felicity Witt overcame reminders from teammates that she had been retiring everyone in order by pitching a perfect game in Hawai‘i’s 10-0 win against Winthrop in collegiate softball last night.
Sheri Oronoz nearly matched Witt’s feat with a one-hitter in an 8-0 second game victory to complete the doubleheader sweep.
Both games ended in the fifth inning because of the eight-run differential rule.
"Everyone was telling me you have a perfect game," Witt said of the dugout chatter during the game.
It was the first perfect game by UH since Kelly Gentle and Desiree Duran combined for one against Brigham Young-Hawai‘i in a 13-0 win on opening day in 1998.
The Wahine (14-6) and the Eagles (0-5) continue play in the six-team Malihini Tournament, which starts today.
Witt (9-2) got her third win within 24 hours. She beat Loyola Marymount as a starter and reliever in Tuesday’s doubleheader sweep.
Hawai‘i coach Bob Coolen said Witt, as the No. 1 starter, will be starting every other game. He said it is a trend of nationally ranked teams.
In the first game, April Crowell ignited the UH onslaught with a three-run home run to center. It was her second homer in as many nights.
In the second game, Oronoz (2-1) allowed just two runners, but still faced the minimum 15 batters. She opened the game by walking Kate Graham, but she was erased on a fielder’s choice by Lisa Ryan, who ended the inning trying to steal third.
In the fifth, Leslie McAllister led off with a double and reached third on a sacrifice. But she was picked off third base by catcher Michelle Mumaw.
