University of Louisville
UNLV
Softball Falls 4-0 to UNLV
February 07, 2015 | Softball
LAS VEGAS - The University of Louisville softball team fell 4-0 to host UNLV Friday evening at the UNLV Sportco Kick-Off Classic.
"Our pitchers did a good job tonight," said UofL head coach Sandy Pearsall. "We had plenty of opportunities but we need to work on our execution with runners in scoring position."
The teams played through four and a half scoreless innings UNLV broke through on Alyssa Cordova's two run home run. Samantha Juarez was hit by a pitch to set up Cordova's homer. Kwyn Cooper and Jade Yadao-Valdez delivered back-to back hits and came home on Fahren Glackin's two-run single to make the score 4-0.
Louisville attempted to rally in the top of the seventh when Brittany Sims drew a leadoff walk, Kayla Soles reached on an error and Ashley Nikolao was hit by a pitch to load the bases with no outs, but a double play and a groundout ended the game.
The Cardinals had a scoring opportunity in the fourth when Brittany Duncan drew a two-out walk and Maryssa Becker followed with a hit to place two runners on for Whitney Arion who singled to center field, but UNLV's Samantha Juarez rifled a throw to catcher Emily Haslinger to get pinch-runner Sidney Melton out at the plate as she tried to score from second. UofL stranded a total of eight base runners in the game.
The Rebels had a chance to score in the third when Jade Yadao-Valdez and stole second. Glackin walked to place runners on the corners with one out. Halle Rosario sent a grounder to shortstop Whitney Arion who fielded the ball and teamed with catcher Kristina Dillard to tag Valdez out at the plate.
Freshman Madi Norman (0-1) took the loss, allowing four earned runs on five hits and struck out two in 3.0 inning of relief. Sophomore Maryssa Becker allowed two hits and struck out two and walked two. Nicole Pufahl, Becker, Arion, Sims and Soles each had a hit for the Cards.
Kwyn Cooper (1-0) got the win, allowing five hits and striking out two in 6.0 innings of work.
The Cardinals (1-1) will return to action Saturday when they face No. 15/15 Minnesota at 9 p.m. (EST) and Bakersfield at 11:15 p.m.
