The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Texas-San Antonio
No. 22 Softball downs UTSA, 10-2
02.10.2008 | Softball
AUSTIN, Texas -- Sophomore third baseman Loryn Johnson's three-hit effort and senior hurler Meagan Denny's nine strikeouts lift the No. 22 Texas Softball team to a 10-2 run-rule victory over UTSA Sunday afternoon in the rubber game of the three-game series.
The victory moved Texas to 2-1 on the year while UTSA dropped to 1-2. Denny (2-0) notched the win for the Horns, tossing 4.0 innings, striking out nine, scattering four hits and allowing just two runs. Roadrunners' starter Janeille Nickels (0-1) suffered the defeat after surrendering six runs on eight hits in 2.0 innings of work.
The Longhorns out-hit the Roadrunners on the afternoon 14-to-4 and out-hit UTSA 31-to-13 in the series. Johnson paced the Horns' offense on the night with three hits, one RBI and a run scored while freshman leftfielder Shelby Savony went 2-for-3 with three RBI and hit her first career homer. Freshman catcher Amy Hooks added a pair of hits, two runs and an RBI in UT's strong offensive effort.
Texas jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning, using back-to-back singles by junior shortstop Desiree Williams and Johnson to start the rally. Both runners advanced on a flyout by sophomore Tallie Thrasher and they both came around to score on an infield single by Hooks. The Longhorns added a third tally in the first when Hooks came home on a Roadrunners' fielding error.
The Horns plated a single run in the second when an RBI single by Thrasher scored Williams who reached on a walk. UTSA responded with a pair of runs in the third on centerfielder Leanne Risberg's two-run homer that narrowed the UT lead to 4-2.
Texas then tacked on four more runs in the third, taking advantage of back-to-back singles by freshman first baseman Brittany Barnhill and junior second baseman Kelly Melone to start the frame. Savony then cleared the bases and pushed the UT lead to 7-2 when she launched her first career home run over the left centerfield wall. Sophomore centerfielder Kori Cook followed with a triple to straightaway centerfield and she came home on Johnson's third single of the game.
The Longhorns registered two more runs in the fourth on a two-run pinch-hit home run by sophomore Brittany Chalk. The blast to centerfield plated Hooks who reached on a leadoff single, pushing the Horns' lead to eight as they entered the top of the fifth.
Texas returns to action at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13 when it travels to San Marcos, Texas, to take on the Texas State Bobcats.
POSTGAME QUOTES
HEAD COACH Connie Clark
General statement: I think the team competed very well in general. We talked about that coming into today. Although we dropped that second game yesterday, it was nice to win the series. After the split, we talked about how we wanted to finish on a strong note, and we did that today. I think we learned a lot about the club this weekend with the different faces in the lineup. I think we showed a lot of versatility and a lot of different people stepped up.
On how the team responded after losing yesterday: The focus for this first third of the season is the consistent approach, and I think that is what we need to think about. You have to feel good about how we competed although we didn't get the outcome we wanted in game two yesterday. Two things we wanted to sure up coming into today were getting the bunt down and trying to hit behind runners. We hit behind runners all day long today and that was the key to our success. It was good to see that game plan come together and I think we took a step forward in that regard.
On the changing lineup: We really haven't thought about a lineup for Wednesday's game, and we we're still searching in a couple of spots. We've had some different looks in leftfield the last couple of games and we're looking to see who is hot with the bat. If you're hot with the bat you're going to be in the lineup. We're just continuing to look at that this initial first third of the season, and we'll be giving some people different looks.
On the play of the freshman this weekend: They are doing just what we expected from them when we recruited them. When we recruit athletes here it is not to just let them sit around and watch what the upperclassmen do. They are going to come in and have an opportunity to compete for starting positions just like everyone else, regardless of their classification. They are doing a great job with that and we are very pleased with them.
JUNIOR INFIELDER Desiree Williams
On how it felt to be playing in her first series after missing a year:The first game yesterday I was kind of nervous. It was like having freshman jitters all over again since I missed last year, but this last game I felt like I really belonged back on the field.
On any changes she thinks will be made for Wednesday's game: I don't think we have anything to prove, but we have some things to work on. I think this is going to be one of the best teams I've played on here at Texas for the sole fact of how much heart this team has. The turn-around on this team is awesome. If you ask for something you are going to get it.
On her diving catch in the fifth inning: I was just trying to keep it in my glove. I am using my glove from last year, so it is a little loose, but it felt really good to get that one. I was just excited that I recognized it (the line drive), because it has been so long. You never really know how it will go until you get out on the field.
