Huskies intense defense shines on Day Two

Sunday, February 24

Boca Raton, Fla.

10:30 am

University of Connecticut

3-8

Florida Gulf Coast University

7-5

Florida Gulf Coast

UConn

Photo by: Eric Espada/UCONN Athletics

2/24/2019 6:36:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

BOCA RATON, Fla.—On the second and final day of the 'Strike-Out Cancer' Tournament, UConn (3-9) amped up their defensive intensity in their rematches against FGCU (7-5) and FAU (8-7).

Game 1

The UConn defense was spearheaded by sophomore Marybeth Olson (1-2) who posted 5.1 innings in the circle and delivered seven strike outs. The Huskies sent the batting order for the Eagles, three up and three down back to back for several innings. FGCU faced intense defensive efficiency from UConn. The Eagles struck out swinging four times, and looking twice. When the ball was put into play the Huskies were able to secure a ground out, fly out, pop up, and foul out before the Eagles' first hit coming in the top of the fourth.

The fourth inning started with a FGCU strike out looking. A single to left center would open things up for the Eagles as a pinch runner would come in and steal second. A batter later a double to center field score the baserunner. A fly out to right field ended the half inning for FGCU at one run, two hits, and leaving one stranded.

The Eagles attempted to build onto their one point lead through the remainder of the game but the Huskies weren't going to allow it and withstood several potential rallies. In the top of the fifth a single to left field advanced a baserunner to second. However, Callaghan for FGCU lined into a double play and a swinging strike out would close the inning. Opening the sixth on a double down the left field line, the Eagles would eventually land a runner on third. A pinch hitter flied out before bringing them home. Lastly, in the top of the seventh FGCU's Kelly doubled but would be caught stealing on her way to third base. And, a ground out would shut down the Eagles' final attempt to score another run.

UConn had been aggressive in the batter's box and when sophomore Briana Marcelino was walked to start the bottom of the second, the Huskies saw daylight. Marcelino would steal second during a teammate's at-bat but couldn't find her way home before the inning ended.

The fourth inning featured a Marcelino special to left center, but she would be caught stealing for the final out.

Freshman Ashley Esty, starting her second game on the season, singled to left center in the bottom of the sixth to get things rolling for UConn again. Fellow freshman Aziah James reached on an error by the first baseman and advanced to second, sending Esty to third. The pair would be left stranded.

Knowing what a morning Marcelino was having, FGCU walked her. Freshman Alexis Lemus grounded out to third base but not before propelling Marcelino to second. Junior Kiwi McDaniel moved to DP and was walked. However, the duo was left stranded as the game ended on a ground out to the shortstop.

Olson was relieved by junior Katie Koshes who went the final pair of innings. The Huskies played the perfect brand of defense, blending intensity and efficiency to end the game without committing an error.

Game 2

UConn got on the scoreboard first in the afternoon match up against the FAU Owls. The top of the second opening via a singled to right field from Redshirt-sophomore Olivia Sappington, sophomore Reese Guevarra would pinch run for Sappington. A Lemus double to left center allowed Guevarra to take up residence at third base, in prime scoring position. A clutch bunt from junior Chloe Kerns scored Guevarra and landed Lemus at third. The half inning closed with the Huskies posting one run, on three hits, and one stranded.

UConn kept FAU scoreless through several innings, before the Owls broke their scoring drought in the bottom of the fourth. FAU took the lead at 2-1, scoring on RBI singles.

The Huskies wouldn't go down without a fight and made the ultimate stand in the top of the sixth. Esty, in her third start of the young season, reached on a throwing error by the pitcher and advanced to second. Marcelino's single sent Esty to third. A crucial single to left center from junior Carli Cutler scored Esty and sent Marcelino to second. The Huskies had tied the game up at two all.

The Owls scored their third and final run of the game on via an error.

Senior Jill Stockley was at the helm for this contest tossing 5.1 innings and four strike outs. Stockley was relieved by Koshes (0-2) who took charge for the final 0.2 innings.