The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Arizona State
No. 3 Arizona State upends Softball, 12-4
02.21.2009 | Softball
Feb. 21, 2009
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. -- The University of Texas Softball team fell to defending national champion and third-ranked Arizona State, 12-4, Saturday afternoon at the Cathedral City Classic. The loss dropped the Horns to 8-4 on the year and 3-1 for the tourney, while the Sun Devils improved to 13-3.
Texas starter Torrey Schroeder (3-1) was saddled with the loss after allowing five runs on eight hits in 2.0 innings of work. Sophomore righthander Brittany Barnhill tossed 1.1 innings oflo relief before giving way to junior Erin Tresselt, who through the final 0.2 innings. ASU starter Hillary Bach (8-0) earned the victory, surrendering four runs on six hits in 5.0 innings.
The Longhorns started the scoring in the third, using a two-out single by senior centerfielder Kacie Gaskin to begin the rally. Senior first baseman Desiree Williams followed with an infield single and both runners advanced a base on an ASU throwing error. Freshman shortstop Lexy Bennett reached on an error, allowing Gaskin to score and give UT a 1-0 edge.
Arizona State responded in the third, sending nine batters to the plate and notching five runs on five hits. The Sun Devils used three straight singles to start the frame before a three-run triple by shortstop Katelyn Boyd emptied the bases. An RBI single by Christina Zambrana scored Boyd and an RBI fielder's choice brought Zambrana home.
Texas answered with two run in the fourth, using back-to-back singles by junior rightfielder Tallie Thrasher and junior second baseman Loryn Johnson to start the frame. An error on a fielder's choice moved both runners into scoring position and an RBI fielder's choice by junior outfielder Brittany Chalk scored Thrasher. Freshman third baseman Nadia Taylor's sacrifice fly to deep left centerfield plated Johnson and narrowed the margin to 5-3.
The Sun Devils battled back in the fourth, pushing seven runs across on six hits and two errors, while sending 12 batters to the plate. A Texas error and a walk started the frame and a single by Kaitlin Cochran and another error allowed the first run to score. An RBI single by Boyd plated another run before a Zambrana walk loaded the bases for Caylyn Carlson who cleared the bases with a grand slam to left centerfield. Sun Devils catcher Renee Welty followed with a solo shot to cap the ASU fourth-inning rally.
The Horns posted a single tally in the fifth, taking advantage of a one-out double by Bennett and an RBI single by Johnson.
Texas returns to action on Sunday, Feb. 22 when it takes on Long Island at the Cathedral City Classic. First pitch is set for 11 a.m. Central.
