The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Maine
Softball tops Maine, 7-2, in Hawaii
03.14.2008 | Softball
HONOLULU -- The University of Texas Softball team tallied seven runs on seven hits and used a five-inning outing by senior righthander Meagan Denny to defeat Maine, 7-2 Friday afternoon at the Spring Fling Tournament at the University of Hawaii.
Texas' victory improved the Horns to 13-10-1 on the year and 2-2 at the tourney, while Maine fell to 0-22 and 0-4 for the week. Senior starter Meagan Denny (10-3) earned the victory after throwing the first three and the final two innings, allowing one run, four hits and fanning nine Maine batters. Sophomore righthander Erin Tresselt tossed the fourth and fifth innings for Texas, surrendering one run on three hits. Maine starter Cayleigh Montano (0-3) took the loss for the Black Bears, lasting just 1.1 innings and giving up six runs on three hits and four walks.
The Longhorns leapt out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first, loading the bases on a pair of walks and a double to left centerfield by junior rightfielder Kacie Gaskin. Junior second baseman Kelly Melone drew a walk with the sacks full, allowing junior first baseman Desiree Williams to score from third. Texas plated a second run on freshman leftfielder Brittany Barnhill's sacrifice fly that scored Gaskin and gave UT a 2-0 edge.
Texas added five more runs in the second, knocking Montano from the game and sending 10 batters to the plate. Senior outfielder MicKayla Padilla started the rally when she was hit by a pitch and she advanced to second on a bunt single by Williams. Gaskin loaded the bases when she reached on a fielder's choice and an RBI single by sophomore shortstop Loryn Johnson scored Padilla from third. Sophomore designated player Tallie Thrasher drew an RBI walk to bring home Williams, and an RBI single by Barnhill scored Gaskin. Junior third baseman Crystal Saenz' two-run double to left field plated Johnson and Thrasher and pushed the Horns' advantage to 7-0.
The Black Bears loaded the bases for the second straight inning in the fourth, using three hits and a Texas error to notch one run. Shortstop Kristen Calvetti reached on a fielder's choice and came around to score when rightfielder Erin Iandoli reached on a Longhorns' error. Maine added a second tally in the seventh, using a solo homer by infielder Ashley Waters to narrow the Texas advantage to 7-2.
Thrasher headlined the Texas offense on the night with two hits, one run and an RBI. Barnhill and Saenz notched two RBI each, while Williams and Gaskin each recorded two runs.
The Longhorns return to action Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m. Central against the tournament's No. 2 seed.
POSTGAME QUOTES
HEAD COACH Connie Clark
On the victory: We had a single game today with Maine and our continual goal is to focus on our intensity regardless of who our opponent is that day. Our number one priority today was to maintain our intensity and feel like we did a pretty good job. It was good to get (Meagan) Denny and Erin (Tresselt) a little bit of work today, but what we really need to work on is how to put those types of games away when we get the lead. Offensively I feel like we had some quality at-bats and I was pleased that we put up seven runs.
On playing hard after grabbing an early lead: I think it is challenging to play hard when you have a big lead, but it tends to be more about your team and less about your opponent when you are winning early on. When you go up by seven runs you tend to go on cruise control, but our goal is to play one pitch at a time and not have lulls regardless of what is on the scoreboard.
On finding ways to get on base: I thought we did a nice job of being selective at the plate and finding ways to get on base. The pitching that we saw today did not blow the ball by us, but they tried to spot the ball and mix speeds. We had to be very patient today and I thought our patience was exceptional as we made both of their pitchers throw a lot of pitches. Our approach and our ability to make adjustments was pretty solid across the board today.
JUNIOR THIRD BASEMAN Crystal Saenz
On the team bouncing back to win after losing last night: I thought we all came out swinging the bat really well today. We were patient at the plate and took what the Maine pitchers gave us. Our pitchers came out throwing very well and strong and gave us a chance to win. Throughout the game we continued to swing the bat well and provide our pitchers with some quality run support. We jumped out to an early lead and it was important for us to keep playing pitch-to-pitch and to keep attacking after getting an early lead.
