UConn takes on FGCU and FAU on Day One

Saturday, February 23

Boca Raton, Fla.

11:30 am

University of Connecticut

3-6

Florida Gulf Coast University

6-4

UConn

Florida Gulf Coast

Softball celebration at FIU tourney 2019

Photo by: Eric Espada

2/23/2019 8:05:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

BOCA RATON, Fla.—The UConn softball team (3-7) traveled back to the Sunshine State to take on Florida Gulf Coast and Florida Atlantic in a two-day tournament. Day One of the 'Strike-Out Cancer' Tournament pitted the Eagles (6-4) and the Owls (7-7) against the Huskies at 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

UConn's offense was led by the newcomer duo of Ashley Esty and Aziah James. The pair knocked the Huskies' only two hits in Game One. James also added a stolen base to her efforts. In Game Two, the veterans—Kelli Bates and Carli Cutler—were able to draw from the energy and efficiency of their teammates. Fellow freshman Alexis Lemus tabbed two of the four hits in Game Two for her own.

Game 1

UConn drew the early match up against FGCU where the Eagles would take the game at 7-0. The Huskies found their footing in the top of the third where James singled to the pitcher and took up real-estate at first base. She would then steal second during Reese Guevarra's at-bat. Several innings later, UConn would sub Esty in to pinch hit for Guevarra where she would single to second base. Due up next was Bates who reached on a fielder's choice with Esty out at second on the play.

Jill Stockley (1-4) got the nod and pitched 5.1 innings for the Huskies. Marybeth Olson would relieve Stockley to face three batters at 0.2 innings in the circle for UConn.

FGCU scored in four different innings with the bulk of their runs coming in the fourth. The Eagles added several runs to their then 2-0 lead in the fourth via two doubles and a ground out to the shortstop.

Game 2

The game against FAU was a very tightly contested match up on the defense, as neither team found their way to home plate until the Owls broke the seal in the bottom of the fifth. A sacrifice fly would get the first run on the board in favor of FAU. The Owls added a pair of runs to their lead in the following half inning.

However, UConn wouldn't get quietly into the night as they were able to mount a late rally to startle FAU in the top of the seventh. Cutler was due up to leadoff for the Huskies, and was hit by a pitch from Mia Olson. Briana Marcelino reached on a throwing error by the pitcher and Cutler advanced to third. Olivia Sappington grounded out to the second baseman in a sacrifice situation to push Marcelino to third and score Cutler. Lemus stepped into the batter's box and sent one soaring into right field to score Marcelino. These back to back runs, brought UConn within one of FAU. Esty was back in to pinch run for Lemus with Chloe Kerns in to pinch hit for Samantha Barnett. However, the inning would come to a close via a double play.

After Carli Cutler reached base via HBP, Briana Marcelino singles and advances herself and Cutler! pic.twitter.com/hhILzVrCyH
— UConn Softball (@UConnSoftball) February 23, 2019

Olivia Sappington scores Cutler to put UConn on the board! pic.twitter.com/xTM3pTFjI8
— UConn Softball (@UConnSoftball) February 23, 2019

Alexis Lemus brings Marcelino home! pic.twitter.com/Qlbam5HGjz
— UConn Softball (@UConnSoftball) February 23, 2019

The Huskies played perfect defense through seven innings to the Owls' one error. Katie Koshes led the UConn defense in the circle (1-4), she would go 5.1 innings delivering five strikeouts before being relieved by Olson who went 0.2 innings.

Day Two and the final day of the tournament will begin with a rematch against the Eagles at 10:30 a.m. and a 1:00 p.m. first-pitch versus the Owls.