The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Cal State Northridge
Softball rallies to defeat Cal State Northridge, 5-3
02.09.2007 | Softball
TEMPE, Ariz. -- The No. 17/18 Longhorns used a third-inning grand slam by freshman third baseman Loryn Johnson to overcome a 3-0 deficit and upend Cal State Northridge, 5-3, Friday night at the Kajikawa Classic. Texas improves to 2-0 after knocking off No. 3 UCLA, 1-0 earlier on Friday.
After allowing three runs in the first inning, the Longhorns rallied for four runs in the bottom of the third inning to claim a 4-3 lead. Senior first baseman Jacqueline Williams led off the inning with a single and Desiree Williams and Shannon Thomas loaded the bases when they were both hit by a pitch. Johnson then stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and launched her first career home run over the left field wall, clearing the bases and giving the Horns their first lead of the game.
The Northridge bats were hot from the start, touching Texas' freshman starting pitcher Torrey Schroeder (Fresno, California) for three runs in the top of the first inning. After recording two quick outs the Matadors mounted a two-out rally using an RBI single by Megan Smith to plate one run and a two-run double by Jaclyn Rymer to push the tally to 3-0.
Freshman righthander Erin Tresselt (Missouri City, Texas) came on in relief of Schroeder with the bases loaded in the first inning, but forced Lauren Olivas to ground into a fielder's choice and end the Northridge threat. Tresselt (1-0) went on to scatter five hits over the next 6.1 innings, while holding the Matadors scoreless and earning the victory in her UT debut.
Sophomore righfielder Kacie Gaskin reached on a bunt single with one out in the sixth, and when Kelly Melone reached on an error, Gaskin advanced to second. A double steal advanced both runners into scoring position and Jacqueline Williams' sacrifice fly to right field scored Gaskin from third and pushed the UT advantage to 5-3.
Texas returns to action Saturday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. CT when it takes on No. 8/9 Stanford in Kajikawa Classic play. Pool play continues immediately following the first game, as UT squares off with Long Beach State at 3:30 p.m.
