Box Score

CEDAR CITY, UTAH - Freshman Julie Love's solo home run in the top of the ninth inning pushed the Jaguars past Summit League foe Southern Utah 2-1 in the series opener on Friday. Love finished the day 3-for-4 and was the only Jaguar with multiple hits in the contest.

Love's game-winner was made possible by a dynamite pitching performance by starting pitcher Nikki Thomas and reliever Nicole Natter. The pair combined on a one-hitter with nine strikeouts.

Thomas' six strikeouts put her at 140 on the season, good enough to tie Samantha Bumbaugh for IUPUI's single-season strikeout record. She allowed one unearned run in the sixth inning. Despite her sizzling performance, she didn't end up with the win. After 5.2 innings, Thomas gave way to Natter, who didn't allow a baserunner for 3.1 innings while fanning three.

The only blemish for IUPUI (13-26, 8-8) came in the sixth inning. Thomas hit a batter to start the frame. After an error put runners on first and second, Thomas hit two consecutive batters allowing the Thunderbirds (20-25, 10-6) to tie the game at one.

IUPUI got on the board first in the fourth inning. Amy Raker walked with one out, and one batter later Jessica Lam tripled to plate Raker.

The Jaguars will play a doubleheader against Southern Utah tomorrow beginning at 2 PM.

Live Stats will be available on IUPUIjags.com through the Southern Utah website.