Softball still perfect after 4-0 winning weekend

By By Thomas Powers

Monday, September 29, 2008

The Kansas softball team began its season 4-0 after sweeping Butler County Community College, Washburn and Emporia State — twice — in the Fall Invitational this weekend. The Jayhawk offense combined for two home runs, 14 doubles and 21 runs in the tournament while defensively only allowing five runs in four games. Strong defense — three errors total and only one that resulted in an unearned run — combined with stellar pitching from senior Valerie George, sophomore Allison Clark and freshman Sarah Blair helped offensively impede the Grizzlies, Lady Blues and Hornets.

Photo by Weston White

Sophomore pitcher Allison Clark makes a short toss to first base after fielding a ball hit right back to her.

“For the first weekend, it’s not bad,” Kansas coach Tracy Bunge said. “We’ve only had a real week of hitting against live pitching and I think our offense executed very well, especially in the short game. I could say something positive about everyone that was in the lineup, and these are things to build on.”

In the tournament’s third game — and the Jayhawks’ season-opener — Kansas upended the Butler County Community College Grizzlies 9-0, winning the game in walk-off fashion after sophomore catcher Brittany Hile hit a massive three-run home run over the left field wall of Arrocha Ballpark.

The game ended due to the eight-run mercy rule after five innings. The Jayhawk defense continued their shutout stretch in the second game with another seven consecutive scoreless innings, beating the Emporia State Hornets 3-0.

On Sunday the Jayhawks barely edged out a win against the Washburn Lady Blues, the final score ending up at 5-4.

Senior shortstop Stevie Crisosto showed off her range, making an excellent diving stop deep in the hole to her throwing side but narrowly missing the runner at first base.

Despite giving up a solo home run to Abby Hughes of Emporia State in the second at bat of the game, newcomer Blair battled back, pitching six and 2/3 scoreless innings to give the Jayhawks a 4-1 victory.

Leading off the bottom of the third inning for the Jayhawks, sophomore first baseman Allison Clark hit a solo home run to left centerfield that bounced off of the scoreboard, which tied the game 1-1.

In the same inning, and after two singles by junior Sara Ramirez and sophomore Kolby Fesmire followed by a sacrifice bunt by senior Val Chapple, senior Elle Pottorf hit a sacrifice fly to the centerfielder, bringing Ramirez in for the score. The Jayhawks took the lead and, despite another bases loaded situation in the top of the seventh inning, won the game 4-1.

The Jayhawks will travel to Iowa City next weekend to participate in the Hawkeye Classic.

— — Edited by Rachel Burchfield

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