"Whitney delivered and delivered in a big way," said Stanford head coach Rachel Hanson. "I'm excited for her and for her to build on that, and excited for the team."

Trailing 2-1 with runners on second and third, Whitney Burks delivered the deciding hit when she hammered a 2-2 pitch to the right-center field gap for a two-RBI single.

Stanford had been knocking on the door all game against Western Michigan, leaving runners on base in five of the first six innings, before breaking through in the seventh.

Whitney Burks drove in the tying and winning runs with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning to lift Stanford past Western Michigan, 3-2, on Friday night. Photo by Karen Ambrose Hickey/isiphotos.com

Stanford was led offensively by three freshman. Teaghan Cowles paced the Cardinal (5-for-7, .714) and was followed by Kristina Inouye (5-for-9, .556) and Alyssa Horeczko (3-for-7, .429).

"Nikki had a heck of a day," said Hanson. "We knew she would be a player we could rely on in clutch moments. The kid has ice in her veins. Never any doubt or any worry. She attacked the game the same way, regardless of the situation."

Nikki Bauer made her collegiate debut against Western Michigan and was electric. The freshman permitted two runs on six hits and four walks with a strikeout in a complete-game victory.

"I'm really proud of Carolyn for being a leader among the pitchers as our ace," said Hanson. "She sets the tone and competes well, and gives us a chance to win in every game. Kiana came in and did an excellent job to give us relief and execute well. I was really pleased with her performance."

Much of Stanford's success on the day can be attributed to outstanding performances in the circle. Carolyn Lee (2-0) was strong against Creighton, going five innings and allowing one run on two hits and two walks with three strikeouts. Kiana Pancino made her collegiate debut, coming in as relief in the sixth inning and limited the Blue Jays to one run on two hits and one walk with two strikeouts.

"Lauren is making some great plays that don't show up in the box score and snagging some tough throws for us," said Hanson.

"Kylie and Kristina have been solid in the middle-infield," said Hanson. "We know they're going to make the routine plays and they're going to make a couple exceptional plays as well."

Stanford softball improves to 3-0 with last inning rally