West grad Dyer perfect for Utes

Oakland Tribune, Mar 2, 2006 by STAFF REPORT

SALT LAKE CITY -- University of Utah softball pitcher Meghan Dyer, a 2002 West High graduate, was named the Mountain West Conference Player of the Week on Tuesday after pitching a perfect game and winning two other games in the UTEP Tournament.

Dyer tossed just the seventh perfect game in Utah history, a six- inning gem in an 8-0 win over Texas-El Paso in which she struck out a career-high 11 batters.

A Utah pitcher hadn't prevented every opposing batter from reaching base since Ali Andrus-Sagas in 1997.

Dyer was also the winning pitcher in an 8-0 win over San Jose State and a 2-1 win over New Mexico State in the same tournament.

Dyer said Karina Cannon, who beat New Mexico State 4-1 in the first game of the tournament, helped set the stage.

"In the first game, Karina set a really good pace for us," Dyer said. "She did well, and I wanted to make sure I went out in the second game and had the same confidence.

"I realized I had a lot of power and things were just happening for us, but (the perfect game) was unexpected. I don't think anyone ever goes out expecting to throw a perfect game. But I felt good, definitely."

Dyer also pitched out of the bullpen during her 3-0 week. In all, she tossed 11 innings, striking out 17 while allowing just three walks and two hits. Her ERA in three games was 0.00 and opposing hitters batted just .056 against her.