The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
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Kansas
No. 8 Softball downs Kansas in Big 12 opener, 12-0
03.26.2011 | Softball
March 26, 2011
AUSTIN, Texas - The eighth-ranked Texas Softball team used a combined shutout pitching performance by freshman Blaire Luna and sophomore Rachel Fox as it downed Kansas, 12-0 in its Big 12 opener Saturday afternoon. The victory improved the Longhorns to 27-3 overall and 1-0 in Big 12 play, while the Jayhawks dropped to 26-6 and 0-3 in league action.
Luna (16-2) notched the victory after throwing three no-hit innings, walking three and striking out five. Fox entered to throw the final two innings and kept the no-hitter alive until KU recorded two hits with one out in the fifth. Luna's three scoreless innings extended her season-best scoreless-inning streak to 36.0. Kansas starter Kristin Martinez (12-2) suffered the loss after allowing five runs on four hits and a walk in 1.0 inning of work.
Freshman centerfielder Brejae Washington headlined the Texas offense with a team-best three hits and added three runs scored. Junior first baseman Lexy Bennett and senior catcher Amy Hooks totaled three RBI apiece for the Horns, while junior third baseman Nadia Taylor registered a pair of RBI.
In the first, Texas came out of the gate hot, using a single by Washington to get things going and a two-run homer by Bennett to claim a 2-0 edge. With two outs in the frame, Taylor hammered a deep solo shot off the centerfield scoreboard to extend the lead to three.
Texas kept the offense rolling in the second, sending 10 batters to the plate and using four hits and three walks to key a six-run rally. Junior designated player Courtney Craig drew a walk to start the inning and came all the way around to score on senior second baseman Raygan Feight's RBI double. Freshman shortstop Taylor Thom doubled home Feight and after two illegal pitchers she came home to move the margin to six.
Walks by junior rightfielder Taylor Hoagland and Bennett coupled with a single by Washington loaded the bases with no outs in the second. Hooks drew a bases-loaded walk to plate another run and an RBI single by Taylor extended the lead to 8-0. Texas pushed its final run of the frame across on sophomore leftfielder Torie Schmidt's sacrifice fly that brought Bennett home.
The Horns added three more runs in the third, using three-straight two-out singles, including an RBI single by Bennett to start their rally. Hooks followed with a two-run double to right center that capped Texas' scoring at 12-0.
Texas returns to action on Sunday, March 27 when it finishes its two-game series with Kansas. First pitch is slated for Noon Central.
POST-GAME NOTES
- Texas' victory improved its all-time record against Kansas to 18-12 and 10-2 in Austin.
- Blaire Luna and Rachel Fox combined on Texas' 14th shutout of the season in the win.
- Luna has now thrown 36.0 consecutive innings without surrendering a run.
- Nadia Taylor and Lexy Bennett's homers marked the 19th of each of the junior's careers.
- Saturday marked alumni day for the Longhorns as UT welcomed back a group of players that included All-Americans Cat Osterman, Nikki Cockrell, Jodi Reeves and Lindsay Gardner.
POST-GAME QUOTES
Head coach Connie Clark
On getting off to a good start in conference Big 12 play: It was and it's nice to teach everybody and get everybody in and get them some experience. The crowd was a big factor. It just helps to keep everyone motivated.
On the defense: I think the Big 12 is deeper than it ever has been. We talked about Kansas coming in and that they've done some really good things this year. They run well and have good numbers. We just talked about really controlling the momentum. They are kind of a momentum team and they are going to try to get things going.
Sophomore pitcher Blaire Luna
On her current streak: I think I've pitched better honestly. I try not to really think about the numbers and how many innings it is you know I just kind of go out there one inning at a time and try to work hard for my team. It's definitely not really about me.
Junior first baseman Lexy Bennett
On how it felt to start conference play: Yeah it was great. I think we have all been looking forward to conference. Everyone is looking to defend the Big 12 title. It's just awesome to get conference started. We are done with our tournaments and it's nice to get that over with. That part of the season is a real grind. Everyone was really looking forward to this game.
On playing with Blaire Luna and her current streak: She's doing great. It's really fun to play behind her. I think she's gotten so much better. She keeps learning and growing and maturing throughout her career here and I can't wait to play behind her in the future.
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