Pac-10 Softball: No. 5 Arizona Shuts Out Oregon State on Senior Day

The Wildcats (38-10-1; 14-3-1 Pac-10) clinched the Pac-10 title with the victory.

OSU senior pitcher Brianne McGowan Photo: OSU Athletics

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Beaver seniors Ta’Tyana McElroy, Mia Longfellow, Natalie Johnson, Sherina Galvan, and Brianne McGowan played their final game at the OSU Softball Complex on Sunday and dropped a 2-0 decision to defending national champion University of Arizona.

A crowd of 818 was on-hand to wish the five Oregon State seniors a fond farewell.

Though there are still three regular season games remaining as well as the postseason, the class of 2007 was recognized for their numerous accomplishments.

“It’s hard to sum up in a few words what this senior class means to Oregon State,” said Beaver head coach Kirk Walker. “Physically they have been a big part of the on-field success in so many categories – pitching, batting, and defensively – but their biggest impact may be their energy and passion for Oregon State University. This group of seniors will leave as the most passionate players we have ever had.”

No matter the outcome over the next several weeks, the five Beaver seniors will leave their mark as holding the highest winning percentage of any class in OSU softball history.

Sunday’s match-up with the Wildcats proved to be a pitcher’s duel from the start between McGowan and Arizona ace Taryne Mowatt.

The Wildcats (38-10-1; 14-3-1 Pac-10) clinched the Pac-10 title with their victory and used a two-out third inning home run to right field by Chelsie Mesa to take a 1-0 lead.

Mowatt was tossing a no-hitter into the fifth until Galvan singled to center field.

The Beavers (36-21; 7-11 Pac-10) were able to get runners on base in four of the seven innings but were unable to score.

Arizona added an unearned run in the top of the seventh to give the Wildcats their final margin of victory.

Oregon State will head to the Bay Area next week to face California on Thursday at 3:00 PM.

OSU will close out the regular season at No. 16 Stanford. The Beavers and Cardinal will play on Friday at 7:00 PM and Saturday at 1:00 PM.

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