Cards Open Conference USA Softball Play With Sweep At UAB
July 21, 2000 | Softball
March 25, 2000
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Louisville softball team opened Conference USA play with a doubleheader sweep over UAB in Birmingham on Saturday. The Cards won the first game 8-0 in five innings and the second game 4-1 in the regulation seven innings.
In the first game of the day, Louisville powered 12 hits, with every Cardinal batter producing at least one hit. Catcher Lisa McMillan led the Cards offensively going two for three with a double, two runs scored and three RBI. The Cards put up a three spot in the second, scored four in the third and one in the fourth to enforce the eight-run mercy rule.
U of L pitcher Tara McClure (9-3) pitched five innings, allowed two hits and struck out nine in her sixth shutout of the season.
In the second game of the doubleheader, the Cards scored a run in the top of the third as Coleen Coughlin led off the inning with a bunt single, stole second, moved to third when Val Smith grounded out to first and scored on Keola Calderon's base hit.
The Blazers tied the score at one in the bottom of the first when Jennifer Polsteen singled to reach first and scored on Cliffanie Engram's triple.
Louisville's winning run was scored in the top of the second when Kim Hilpp reached on a single, moved to second on Candi Padilla's sacrifice bunt and scored on Christina Soto's base hit. U of L added one insurance run in the fourth and one in the fifth for a final score of 4-1.
Offensively for the Cards, Coughlin went two for four with one run scored, Calderon went two for four with a run scored and an RBI, while Hilpp went two for four with two runs scored and two RBI. Nicole Sparks recorded a double.
Louisville pitcher Jessica Rak (11-4) allowed one run on five hits and struck out four.
"We're very pleased to open up conference play with two wins," said Louisville head coach Sandy Pearsall. "We hit the ball well today. We also played strong defense, which helped in the wins."
The Cards (22-10) will face UAB (12-22) on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. (EST) for the final game in the three-game series.
