University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Pittsburgh
Ortega Slam Puts Huskies Past Pittsburgh 4-1
4/1/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 1, 2009
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A grand slam by Jillian Ortega (Aberdeen, N.J.) in the fifth inning gave the University of Connecticut softball team the lead and the victory in game one of a doubleheader with Pittsburgh, Wednesday. The homer was the fourth of the season for the senior and the first grand slam of her career.
With the win, the Huskies improved their record to 16-11, 4-5 BIG EAST while Pittsburgh dropped to 14-14 on the year, 2-5 in BIG EAST play.
The fifth was started off by junior Justyne Roy (North Dighton, Mass.) who singled to left field. Freshman Jen Ward (Waterford, Conn.) took over at first for Roy as a pinch runner and advanced to second after senior Erin Burtner (Jefferson, Md.) singled to right field. A shot to centerfield by sophomore Julianne Towers (Goodlettsville, Tenn.) loaded the bases for Ortega who hit them all in giving the Huskies the four-run lead.
In the sixth, Pitt got one run back after Kristen Cheesebrew doubled to center scoring Sam Card. But the Huskies held on for the game one win.
Junior Tricia Sullivan (New Bedford, Mass.) was outstanding on the mound during the game striking out 11 Panthers and only allowing one run to earn her 10th victory of the year.
With the win, Head Coach Karen Mullins earned her 749th victory at UConn.
-UCONN-
