Softball downs No. 25/20 Minnesota at the NCAA Seattle Regional, 2-1

Friday, May 18

Seattle, Wash.

8 p.m. CT

University of Texas

33-24

#25/20 Minnesota

39-16

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Texas	0	0	0	1	0	1	0	2	8	0
Minnesota	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	4	0

Softball downs No. 25/20 Minnesota at the NCAA Seattle Regional, 2-1

05.18.2018 | Softball

Box Score

Senior pitcher Paige von Sprecken tossed a complete-game, four-hitter to help guide UT to victory

SEATTLE, Wash. – Clutch RBIs from sophomore shortstop Kaitlyn Slack and freshman third baseman MK Tedder backed a complete-game effort from senior pitcher Paige von Sprecken as Texas softball (33-24) opened the NCAA Seattle Regional on Friday night at the Husky Softball Stadium with a 2-1 victory over No. 25/20 Minnesota (39-16).

With the win, the Longhorns advance on in the winner's bracket and will next face No. 5-national seed Washington on Sat., May 19, at 4 p.m. CT live on ESPN.

The Longhorns offense managed eight hits in the match-up led by a perfect 3-for-3 performance with a double and run scored from sophomore left fielder Kaitlyn Washington. Sophomore catcher Taylor Ellsworth went 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles and a run, while Slack (1-for-3, RBI), Tedder (1-for-1, RBI) and von Sprecken (1-for-3) all managed hits.

In the circle for the Burnt Orange & White, von Sprecken (12-11) earned the triumph after allowing one earned run on four hits with three walks and three strikeouts in a complete game.

"I think more than anything, it was good to get off to a good start," Texas head coach Connie Clark said. "We played really well in all facets of the game. I think we needed every bit of defense, specifically on the right side, and the defensive play we got from von Sprecken was huge. Just to not panic. I think our young infield played like veterans, and we induced groundouts when we needed and wanted them. Our hitters had a good game plan going in, and I thought executed well. They gave us chances, and made them play some defense. That was absolutely what we talked about prior to the game. We hit on all cylinders. I thought it was a great team effort tonight."

Texas missed a pair of golden scoring chances over the opening two innings, leaving three base runners stranded after big blows provided on doubles by Ellsworth and Washington. UT left occupants at second and third in the first before having a squeeze play foiled on a tag of Washington at the plate during the second.

The Golden Gophers broke up a string of eight straight retired by von Sprecken during the bottom of the third as left fielder Ellee Jensen beat out a two-out bunt for UM's first hit of the contest. That was all Minnesota could string together, however, as second baseman MaKenna Partain went down swinging to end the frame.

After threatening numerous times, the Longhorns finally broke in front during the top of the fourth. Following Ellsworth's second double of the game to christen the frame, a sacrifice bunt and a Washington base knock and steal put two in scoring position with one out. Tedder stepped to the plate facing a big spot and delivered by blooping a RBI single to shallow left to score Ellsworth for a 1-0 advantage.

Looking to provide an immediate answer, Minnesota catcher Kendyl Lindaman started off UM's half of the fourth with a double to right. With runners at the corners and no outs, after a Maddie Houlihan single to left, first baseman Sydney Dwyer stepped into the box and ripped a liner to first. Sophomore first baseman Malory Schattle snagged the ball, turned and doubled off Houlihan at first to complete a huge double play. With two aboard after a walk, von Sprecken fielded a sharp shot back to the circle from third baseman Danielle Parlich to end a once promising UM inning with no damage.

A leadoff walk eventually came back to hurt the Burnt Orange & White during the bottom of the fifth as von Sprecken put designated player Allie Arneson on via free pass to start the frame. With runners at the corners and one out, Partain hit a chopper into the hole between first and second. Freshman second baseman Janae Jefferson ranged over to her left and made a terrific spinning play for the second out, but pinch runner Katelyn Kemetmueller was able to score from third and deadlock the contest at 1-1.

Texas struck right back in the top of the sixth as Washington led off the frame with a single to short. Following another Tedder sac bunt, Slack delivered the hit of the game with a RBI base knock through the right side, plating Washington all the way from second for a 2-1 advantage.

Blessed with another lead, von Sprecken finished things out in style, retiring the last six Golden Gophers she faced to end the Longhorns victory.

NCAA Seattle Regional Schedule

Friday, May 18

8 p.m. CT TEXAS vs. #25/20 Minnesota – ESPN – W, 2-1

10:30 p.m. CT Boise State at #5 Washington – ESPNU – UW, 8-0 (5 inn.)

Saturday, May 19

4 p.m. CT Game No. 3 (TEXAS vs. #5 Washington) – ESPN

6:30 p.m. CT Game No. 4 (#25/20 Minnesota vs. Boise State)

9 p.m. CT Game No. 5 (Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3)

Sunday, May 20

6 p.m. CT Game No. 6 (Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5)

8:30 p.m. CT Game No. 7 (rematch of Game 6 - if necessary)