The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Pacific
Seven runs in third inning pace Softball past Pacific, 7-2
03.14.2009 | Softball
March 14, 2009
FULLERTON, Calif. -- The University of Texas Softball team exploded for seven runs in the third inning as it downed Pacific, 7-2, Saturday afternoon at the Judi Garman Classic. The Longhorns' victory improved UT to 20-8 and 3-2 at the tourney, while the Tigers fell to 10-12.
Texas junior starter Torrey Schroeder (9-2) picked up the victory after tossing a complete game, six-hitter, surrendering two runs and fanning two. Pacific hurler Chelsea Engle (5-7) suffered the loss, lasting just 2.2 innings and surrendering seven runs on seven Texas hits.
After allowing two runs to come across in the first on two Pacific hits and a pair of walks, Texas rallied for all seven of its runs in the third.
Texas senior centerfielder Kacie Gaskin led off the frame with a walk and came around to score on senior first baseman Desiree Williams' two-run homer to left centerfield. Williams' blast was her eight of the season and her fourth of the week. Freshman shortstop Lexy Bennett followed Williams with a solo shot of her own that gave UT a 3-2 edge.
The Longhorns continued the rally with back-to-back singles by sophomore catcher Amy Hooks and junior designated player Loryn Johnson. A single by freshman third baseman Nadia Taylor plated Hooks and increased the lead to two. After Texas' second batter of the inning was retired, freshman rightfielder Courtney Craig stepped to the plate and launched her first career homer - a three-run shot- that pushed the lead to 7-2.
Bennett and Taylor headlined the offense on the day with two hits apiece, while Craig's three RBI topped the Texas stat sheet.
Texas concludes the tourney and its 14-game road swing on Sunday, March 15 when it takes on Florida State at the Judi Garman Classic. First pitch is set for 11 a.m. Central.
