Saturday, February 26, 2011

Whitney Kiihnl threw her first no-hitter of the year blanking Samford 10-0 Friday night in the UAB Tournament in Birmingham, Ala.

Kiihnl, 4-4 on the season, pitched only six innings due to the run-rule lead. She struck out a season-high 17 out of 19 batters she faced. She missed a perfect game because of an error.

“She looked unhittable,” Lady Bisons’ coach Kristin Ryman said. “She threw an outstanding game. She earned that one. She came out and really threw a great game.

“When she is like that she only needs one run of support. Ideally, you would like to give her three for a little cushion.”

She tied her season high for strikeouts set last season against Florida Gulf Coast on April 17.

Her career-high of 18 was set against Mercer in 2008, again on April 17.