The No. 25 Jayhawks were just one out away from another huge upset Saturday. Up 2-1 against No. 11 Tennessee in the top of the seventh inning, senior pitcher Val George got two quick outs, striking out right fielder Danielle Pieroni and getting second basemen Nicole Kajitani on a ground out to third baseman Val Chapple. Pitcher, Ashton Ward, then stepped up to the plate and knocked a double down the left field line, eventually scoring on a game tying RBI single from Jen Lapicki. In the eighth inning Tennessee put up two more runs, beating Kansas 4-2.

Throughout the game the Hawks played well both offensively and defensively. Hitters had eight hits and committed no errors in the field. George pitched all 8 and two-thirds innings, striking out eight.

“Leading up to the Tennessee game, we had not played well all weekend but we played this game with a lot of energy and confidence,” said coach Tracy Bunge in a postgame interview. “After the game, the girls were down. It was a very tough loss, but looking at the positive side, we swung the bat really well and had a great outing from pitcher Val George.”

Kansas bounced back Sunday versus Bowling Green, winning the game 9-0 in five innings. George pitched a five inning, one hit shutout, while the offense chipped in with nine hits and nine runs, averaging .380 for the game. Defensively, the team played its second consecutive game without an error and helped to end the UCF Early Bird Tournament on a positive note.

The Jayhawks began the tournament 1-2, notching a 7-6 victory in their second game against Western Carolina and losing two close games, 3-2 against South Carolina in nine innings and 2-0 against Bradley. The team played well in the win over Western Carolina, hitting .370 while driving in seven runs, but defensively played poorly, committing three errors. In the two losses, Kansas committed three errors and went six for fifty-six from the plate, a .110 average.

Bunge commented on the play of the defense. “We did not look good defensively. We need some more repetitions and time out on the dirt. I’m hoping for good weather and a good practice, Tuesday, so we can work out the kinks before flying to California on Wednesday.”

George and shortstop Stevie Crisosto were tournament all-stars for Kansas. George pitched 21 and two-thirds innings and had a 1.6 ERA, striking out twenty four to only three walks issued. Crisosto led the offense with a .500 average during the tournament’s five games, racking up three RBIs, two runs, five walks and two stolen bases.

The 4-5 Jayhawks travel to Palm Springs, Calif., on Wednesday to participate in the Cathedral City Classic, which takes place Thursday through Sunday. The Hawks play six games, facing North Carolina, Oregon State, Brigham Young, USC Santa Barbara, California and Cal Poly.

— — Edited by Sam Speer