April 20, 2006

Lincoln, NE (CSTV U-WIRE) -- Senior Trisha Tannahill set a single-season softball record Tuesday in Ames, Iowa, that she has spent all season trying to avoid.

Facing a 1-0 count in the top of fifth inning, Iowa State pitcher Alyssa Ransom threw an inside pitch that hit Tannahill on her right side for a record-breaking ninth time this season.

``I guess it's always nice to be in the record books,'' Tannahill said. ``But honestly, you'd like to have it for hits or something like that. It's something I can't control.''

Tannahill's record-breaker ended a three-way tie with Karla Knicely and Ellen Middleton.

Knicely had first set the record at eight in 1996 and Middleton tied that same mark in 1999.

``I think it's strange that I've got hit this much at all,'' Tannahill said. ``It's not like I have in years past or anything. I don't know what it is. I'm not doing anything different.''

Before her senior season, Tannahill had only been plunked seven times as a Cornhusker, two less than her total this year.

With nine regular season games left, Tannahill is also on pace to become the career leader in being hit by pitches - she sits two shy of the career record of 17 set by Jane Kremer from 1986-89.

``It's testament to her because obviously they pitch her tight,'' NU Coach Rhonda Revelle said. ``(Opposing teams) know she can hit.''

Tannahill, who bats fifth in the Husker lineup, does not fit the normal criteria for someone who regularly gets hit by a pitch.

Generally, leadoff hitters and slappers are in the best position to break the hit by pitch record.

Slappers take a running start in the batter's box, causing some movement and a lot of hit batters.

Leadoff hitters on the other hand see the most at bats over the span of a season and therefore have more opportunities of taking one for the team.Revelle said it was not uncharacteristic of Tannahill to break this particular record because she is an RBI producer and a threat at the plate.

``Like slappers, you understand why they get hit because there is so much movement going on,'' Revelle said. ``But with (Trisha), I think she's on the plate pretty much, but also it's somebody who is a threat.''

When Tannahill is not getting beaned, she is producing from the left side of the plate.

Through 40 games Tannahill is batting .309 with 34 hits and leads the team with 11 doubles.

``It's been a blast,'' Tannahill said. ``I've had a great time. We were just talking today and counting; we have nine regular season games left, which I can't even believe that. It's been a blast and a great experience.''

Tannahill has also been stellar as the Huskers everyday right fielder with a .970 fielding percentage. She has been almost flawless in collegiate career, only committing five errors coming into a rematch with Iowa State on Thursday.

``If we pulled up her numbers all four years, they're all up there in that same arena,'' Revelle said. ``So you know that you are going to get RBI production; you know you're getting a poised person up at the plate when runners.

``She's really been the epitome of consistency, and I've always said that I'm as confident with her, with the game on the line at the plate as anybody because she's going to get up their and battle.''

(C) 2006 Daily Nebraskan via CSTV U-WIRE