The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Washington
Softball tops No. 15 Washington, 4-0
02.23.2007 | Softball
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. -- Texas junior hurler Meagan Denny tossed a complete game shutout and sophomore leftfielder Shannon Thomas tallied two hits and three runs scored as the 10th-ranked Longhorns knocked off No. 15 Washington, 4-0, Friday afternoon in game one of the Palm Springs Classic. The Longhorns continue play at the weekend tourney at 5 p.m. (Central) on Friday when they take on Maryland.
Denny (5-1) tossed her second complete game shutout of the season, striking out 11 Huskies and allowing just three hits in 7.0 innings of work.
Texas (9-2) tallied one run in the first inning, using a leadoff walk by Thomas to start the rally. The sophomore leftfielder advanced to second base on an illegal pitch and then scored the game's first run when senior catcher Megan Willis reached on a Washington throwing error.
Thomas sparked a second Texas rally in the third inning, leading off the frame with a single down the left field line and stealing second base on the next pitch. Willis again brought Thomas home, this time with an RBI double down the right field line that pushed the UT edge to 2-0.
Washington (8-2) threatened in its half of the fourth, with its first two hitters reaching base via a Texas error and an infield single. Denny then induced an infield flyout and Willis picked the lead runner off second base to eliminate the immediate threat. The junior hurler went on to strikeout Lauren Greer to retire the side, ending the frame with Texas clinging to a 2-0 lead.
Junior centerfielder MicKayla Padilla and Thomas led off the fifth inning with back-to-back singles and both runners advanced a base on a double steal. The duo advanced another base on an errant throw, with Padilla scoring on the play to push the Texas lead to 4-0.
Thomas headlined the UT offense on the day, going 2-for-3 with a walk and three runs scored. Willis and senior first baseman Jacqueline Williams collected the Longhorns other two hits and Padilla scored the Horns other tally.
Washington righthander Danielle Lawrie (6-1) suffered her first loss of the season, going 7.0 innings and allowing four runs on five hits, while striking out 13 UT hitters.
Texas returns to action at 5 p.m. CT Friday, Feb. 23 when it takes on Maryland at the Palm Springs Classic. Live stats for all of Texas' games at the weekend tourney will be available on TexasSports.com.
