Marchetti, named Texas Tech’s interim softball coach in late February, was bubbling after the Red Raiders swept a two-game series from Kansas.

Yet Marchetti also felt for the Jayhawks because she was a KU aide for three seasons before leaving for Lubbock last summer.

“We came here wanting to win two games and we did, so I’m very happy,” Marchetti said. “But I feel bad (Kansas) is struggling. I know all their kids except the ones who came in this year and I feel bad they’re not playing as well as they can.”

Tech walloped Kansas, 8-0, on Saturday at Jayhawk Field, then rode Amanda Renfro’s no-hitter to a 1-0 triumph on Sunday.

The no-no was Renfro’s fourth this spring, but only the first suffered by the Jayhawks in 44 games (21-23). In view of the Jayhawks’ dreadful batting slump over the last two weeks, though, it was hardly surprising.

“I just keep telling our pitchers that sooner or later we’re going to break out of it,” KU coach Tracy Bunge said.

Meanwhile, the Jayhawks sank deeper into the Big 12 Conference cellar with a 1-8 record as their team batting average dwindled to .153 in league games.

It was no disgrace, however, losing to Renfro, a junior right-hander from Houston who leads the league in strikeouts, innings pitched, complete games and opponents’ batting average.

“I knew going in it wouldn’t be easy with Renfro pitching,” Bunge said. “She’s doesn’t throw hard, but her ball is moving all the time. It really spins. And she can take something off, too.”

Only three Jayhawks reached base. Two were via errors. The other was Shannon Stanwix who walked in the seventh.

Renfro’s 11-15 record is deceptive because the Red Raiders’ hitting slump occurred in February and March.

“We didn’t hit at all early,” Marchetti said. “Now we’re hitting the ball. We’re peaking and this is the time to do it.”

Texas Tech boosted its league record to 3-3, but the Red Raiders still have the league’s worst overall record at 14-27.

Senior Melanie DeWinter was the hard-luck loser, allowing six hits as her record dipped to 5-12.

“Emotionally, we were there today,” DeWinter said, “but right now we’re searching for confidence.”

A bunt single, a groundout, a fielder’s choice and a two-out infield single by TTU catcher Kristi Tunnel accounted for the lone run in the second inning.

Kansas will attempt to snap its five-game losing streak on Tuesday against Missouri. Game time is 5 p.m. at Jayhawk Field.

— Chuck Woodling’s phone message number is 832-7147. His e-mail address is cwoodling@ljworld.com.