Huskies mount late rally against Knights in game two

Saturday, March 23

Orlando, Fla.

2:00 pm

University of Connecticut

9-15, 0

University of Central Florida

22-9, 0

Connecticut

UCF

Photo by: Eric Espada/UCONN Athletics

3/23/2019 4:21:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

ORLANDO, Fla.—The UConn softball team (9-15, 0-2 AAC) mounted a late rally in game two of the weekend American Athletic Conference series at Central Florida (22-9, 2-0 AAC). The early afternoon match up saw first-pitch at 2:00 p.m. at the UCF Softball Complex with junior pitcher Katie Koshes (2-4) getting the nod to start in the circle for the Huskies.

This contest very much resembled that of game one, from last night in the way of defense. These teams match up extremely well against one another, and efficient defense is a staple for both programs.

In their opening half inning, the Knights were able to score on a single to right field after the baserunner had reached via a double to center. However, UConn quickly regrouped behind Koshes and closed the inning via a swinging strikeout.

The Huskies kept the Knights scoreless through the next three innings. In the bottom of the fifth, UCF's pair of doubles shifted the first baserunner enough to score their second and final run of the game.

UConn did not go quietly into the afternoon with two of their three hits coming in the third and fifth innings. In the top of the third, junior Devon Casazza doubled to left center and freshman Aziah James entered the game to pinch run for her. The speedy James was advanced to third base thanks to senior Kelli Bate's at-bat but would be left stranded. In the fifth, leadoff sophomore, Reese Guevarra singled to right field but would be out a play later in a double play alongside junior Carli Cutler.

The Huskies broke through the seal in the top of the seventh to score their first and only run of the match up. Freshman Ashley Esty was due up for UConn and singled up the middle, extending her longest hitting streak to eight games. Quick-witted Esty stole second base during the next at-bat and ended up at third due to a throwing error by the catcher. Her hard work was rewarded as she was brought home on a sacrifice fly to center field from pinch hitter redshirt-sophomore Olivia Sappington.

The Husky defense was led by Koshes faced 26 Knight batters through six innings and 24 at-bats.

The third and final game of the AAC weekend series comes on Sunday, March 24th with first-pitch at 11:00 a.m. For live stats, click here. For live stream ($), click here.