Cards Defeat Hilltoppers in Home Opener

Tuesday, February 27

LOUISVILLE, Ky.

5:00 PM

University of Louisville

13-2

Western Kentucky

10-5-1

Western Kentucky

Louisville

February 27, 2024 | Softball

Box Score Riley Frizell postgame interview Alyssa Zabala postgame interview Photo Gallery

Louisville defeats WKU 4-1 to improve to 13-2 on the season

By: Sarah Ennis

LOUISVILLE Ky. - The University of Louisville softball team secured a victory over Western Kentucky 4-1 in the home opener Tuesday evening at Ulmer Stadium. Louisville improves to 13-2 on the season.

Riley Frizell paced the offense going 3-for-3 at the plate with a double and an RBI. Alyssa Zabala (7-1) got the win in the circle, allowing one run on six hits and six strikeouts. Gabby Holloway retired both batters she faced in the seventh inning to pick up her first save of the season.

The Cards got on the board early, jumping out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning as Daisy Hess forced a leadoff walk and advanced to second on a ground out to put her in scoring position. Frizell came up clutch in the cleanup spot, sending a ball out to right field to earn a two-out RBI as Hess came around to score. Frizell has now reached base safely in her last 13 games and in 14 of Louisville's last 15 games.

The bats remained hot for the Cardinals in the second inning as Paige Geraghty scorched a ball off the left-center wall for a lead-off double. On the very next pitch, freshman Katie Thatcher sent a ball over the centerfield wall for a two-run homer, marking the first home run of her career. As the inning continued, Ally Alexander worked a walk and advanced to second on a sac bunt by Chelsea Mack. Alexander later came around to score off an error by the Hilltopper defense to give Louisville a 4-0 lead.

The Hilltoppers (10-5-1) scored their first run in the sixth inning as Cheyanne Sales reached base safely and advanced to second off a throwing error by the Cards. Randi Drinnon picked up an RBI single to center, giving WKU their first run of the game. The Cardinal defense shut the door on Western Kentucky as Alexander made an incredible diving catch at second to end the inning, keeping the score at 4-1.

Rylan Smith (4-2) took the loss after giving up three earned runs on three hits in one inning of work. TJ Webster led the way offensively going 3-for-3 on the evening.

Louisville will hit the road for the fourth straight weekend when they head to Tampa, Fla., for the USF Tournament to face Villanova, Georgia Southern, Central Michigan, and host USF.

NOTES:
• Louisville is now 19-6 in home openers in their 25^th season
• The Cardinals lead the series with WKU 21-3
• Daisy Hess is now on a six-game hitting streak
• Chelsea Mack has reached base safely via a hit or walk in eight straight games
• Paige Geraghty leads the team with six multi-hit games