Hoosiers rained on again, games delayed

In the first day of their three-day road trip to Fresno, Cal., the IU softball team faced opposition they have seen all year: Rain. \nEight of the Hoosiers first thirteen scheduled games were canceled because of wet weather conditions.\nIU was scheduled for a pair of games yesterday at the Hedrick's Hallowell Chevrolet Classic hosted by Fresno State. The Hoosiers (1-4-1) led Cal-Poly (12-6) by a score of 1-0 in a fourth inning but conditions led to a rain delay. Following the hour and 35 minute play, IU fell 2-1. IU was also scheduled to play San Diego State (9-9-1) Thursday.\nThe Hoosiers jumped on Cal-Poly in the first inning as senior catcher Brooke Monroe was hit by a pitch. Freshman designated hitter Ashley Griffiths advanced Monroe to second on a groundout, where Monroe later scored on a single by junior third baseman Stormy Hanson.\nSenior starting pitcher Alison Cooke retired the first five Cal-Poly batters she faced before giving up back-to-back hits in the second inning. Cooke got out of the jam and kept her shutout intact.\nBut after the rain delay, Hoosier sophomore shortstop Kristine Dugan's throwing error started a Cal-Poly rally in the bottom of the sixth. Followed by a sacrifice bunt and a walk, Cal-Poly senior second baseman Kasey Poet hit a blooper into centerfield. IU junior Katie Joy slipped on the wet field during the play, allowing both Cal-Poly runners to score. Poet was credited with a double on the play.\nIU is set to face Tennessee Tech (6-5) at 9 a.m. and Baylor (24-4) at 1 p.m. in action today. Saturday, the Hoosiers face Boston (3-9) at 11 a.m. and host No. 10 Fresno State (16-5) at 1 p.m. before they return home.\nOver spring break, IU is scheduled to play six more games. Illinois State comes to Bloomington for a doubleheader March 12. IU play host to the Hoosier Invitational March 16-17, when they play both Ball State and Northern Illinois.