University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Houston
Huskies Fall to Cougars on Senior Day
4/29/2018 12:00:00 AM | Softball
STORRS, Conn. - Senior pitcher Chelsea Eckert turned in a solid outing for the UConn softball team on Sunday, but it dropped its final home game of the season by a 4-0 margin to Houston in American Athletic Conference play at Burrill Family Field.
Three different players recorded hits for the Huskies (19-32, 4-14 American), who finished the home schedule with a 5-9 record. Eckert (1-5) allowed just one earned run (four total) on two hits in 4.1 innings of work, with five strikeouts and four walks.
It was Senior Day at Burrill, as UConn honored Eckert, Ryne Nakama and Emma Stanley in a pregame ceremony for their hard work and dedication to the program over the last four years. They make-up the first class to play all four seasons under head coach Jen McIntyre.
"(The seniors) have done an unbelievable job," said McIntyre. "They have been steady on defense for us. They have really learned the game and taken it to the next level. The biggest thing I can say about them is what quality teammates they are. They have taken care of the younger ones and shown them the way."
Eckert was off to a strong start on Sunday, allowing just one run on one hit through four frames, before Houston tacked on a three-spot in the fifth to take control. Junior pitcher Jill Stockley hurled the final 2.2 innings in relief, posting four strikeouts.
Seniors, you will be missed â¤️
New England weather, you won't be. #PhaseHow // #UConnNation pic.twitter.com/JgMTJT9Wus- UConn Softball (@UConnSoftball) April 29, 2018
Savannah Heebner (22-8) picked up the complete-game win for the Cougars, striking out 10 and walking none in a three-hit shutout against UConn. Sarah Queen had a hit and two RBI for the Cougars to lead the offensive output.
"(Savannah) is good. I thought she did a nice job today with her off-speed pitches," said McIntyre of the opposing starter. "We need to be able to shorten up, make adjustments and stay aggressive. She was pounding the zone and we need to make those adjustments quicker."
Houston took a 1-0 lead in the third inning on an RBI single from Queen, following a pair of two-out walks by Eckert. In the fifth, the Cougars pieced together a three-run frame on just one hit and two errors - including a hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded.
Stockley relieved Eckert, as Houston scored two more runs - both charged to Eckert - to make it 4-0 before the inning was over. The Huskies stranded seven Cougars on base in the game, allowing just two hits in the loss.
In the third and fourth innings, UConn got the lead-off hitters on base with singles by Nakama and sophomore Carli Cutler - with both reaching second base - but were left in scoring position. Cutler extended her hitting streak to five games on Sunday.
Eckert gets her 3️âÆ'£rd strikeout to end the top of the 2️âÆ'£nd earlier 🔥 pic.twitter.com/FvTroXwioS
- UConn Softball (@UConnSoftball) April 29, 2018
"Timely hitting is our big key all year. Early in the game, (Houston) came up with a clutch hit when it needed it. We had our opportunities," said McIntyre. "We're going to look to get hot coming down the stretch here."
Sunday's game was in a short rain delay before first pitch, as rainy conditions during the Senior Day ceremony led to a late start.
The Huskies return to action next weekend at Tulsa, but in the meantime prepare for final exams this week leading up to the final conference series of the regular season. From Tulsa, UConn will travel directly to Tampa, Fla. for the AAC Tournament.
