Huskies victorious after Day One of Mercer Bears Classic

Friday, March 15

Macon, Ga.

6:00 pm

University of Connecticut

5-12

University of South Dakota

16-13

South Dakota

UConn

Photo by: Eric Espada/UCONN Athletics

3/15/2019 8:41:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

MACON, Ga.—UConn softball (5-12) is back in the win column after routing South Dakota (16-13) in an 8-0 run-rule victory on Day One of the Mercer Bears Classic.

Junior outfielder Ashlee Dahman had herself a day behind the plate, her best yet this 2019 campaign. She put up various season highs in hits at two and runs scored at one. Dahman got the offensive juices flowing for UConn in the bottom of the second with a single to center field to score teammate Reese Guevarra. A play later a passed ball shifted Dahman and pinch runner Kelli Bates to second and score respectively. The Huskies would take the early 2-0 lead over the Coyotes.

UConn scored several times during the fourth inning. Dahman's offensive prowess carried over into the fourth inning where she singled to the shortstop and propelled Marybeth Olson to second and Kiwi McDaniel to score. A batter later, Ashley Esty's double through the left side placed Dahman in prime scoring position, and sent pinch runner Aziah James home. South Dakota lineup adjustments didn't faze this red hot UConn team, with a 4-0 lead. For the Huskies' fourth home run of the season, Carli Cutler sent a dinger beaming into right field with Esty and Dahman rounding home as well.

Briana Marcelino capped the game with single through the left side to bring Guevarra home for the final run of the game. Through 26 at-bats, eight runs, 10 hits, seven RBIs you would think the efficiency stopped on the offensive end but UConn played a very tight defensive game as well.

The Huskies were led by Olson (3-3) in the circle who tossed five innings to go along with her five strikeouts, only giving up four Coyote hits. South Dakota mounted a late rally in the bottom of the fifth nabbing a pair of hits and leaving three stranded. A fielder's choice put runners at first and second with the baserunner at third out on the play. A follow up single put the Coyotes in a position to score but the Husky defense fielder's choice put a runner out at second, via the shortstop to second base. South Dakota was kept hitless by this UConn defense through a pair of innings.

The Huskies will start Day Two of the Mercer Bears Classic bright and early with first-pitch against Fordham at 9:00 a.m. and a rematch versus South Dakota at 6:00 p.m. Live stats will be available for both contests.