Jan. 26, 2004

WACO, Texas - Baylor softball senior pitcher Katie Decker is lost for the season due to a career-ending injury in her right (pitching) shoulder, head coach Glenn Moore announced Monday. Decker, who transferred to Baylor from Nebraska after the 2001 season, finishes her career with the second-highest winning percentage of any Lady Bear pitcher.

"It's a tough loss for us, but more than anything it's tough for Katie" Moore said. "She's been very valuable for us the past two seasons, and to see her not be able to complete her career is disappointing."

Decker finishes her career with a 20-9 record and an ERA of 1.68 that ranks second all-time at Baylor. She also ranks second on Baylor's career list in fewest hits allowed per seven innings (5.03) and lowest opponent batting average (.199).

In 2002, Decker posted an 11-2 record that ranks as the highest winning percentage in school history among pitchers with at least 10 decisions. Her 1.08 ERA in 2002 ranks third all-time at Baylor.

Decker tossed a complete-game no-hitter Feb. 15, 2002 against Stephen F. Austin, the first by a Lady Bear pitcher in five years. She also combined on two other no-hitters that season, making her the only pitcher in school history to take part in three no-hitters.

Last year, Decker was 9-7 with a 2.13 ERA in 128.1 innings pitched.

Baylor's 2004 season begins Feb. 6-8 as the Lady Bears host Auburn, North Texas, Northwestern State, Pacific and Wichita State for the third-annual Getterman Classic.