Huskies take River Hawks to extras in home opener

Wednesday, March 27

Storrs, Conn.

3:00 pm

University of Connecticut

9-17

University of Massachusetts Lowell

11-10

UMass-Lowell

UConn

Photo by: Eric Espada/UCONN Athletics

3/27/2019 7:10:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Photo Gallery

Box Score | Photo Gallery

STORRS, Conn.—The UConn softball (9-17) team played a tight one against UMass-Lowell (11-10) on Wednesday afternoon. The Huskies took the River Hawks into extra innings for some free softball in the home opener of the 2019 campaign. Junior Carli Cutler posted the 100th hit of her career during the game. Sophomore Briana Marcelino posted her third home run of the 2019 season. Freshman Ashley Esty extended her hitting streak to 10 games.

The tick-for-tack match up saw UMass-Lowell get on the scoreboard first in the top of the second. A single to left center on a base loaded situation sent a River Hawk across home plate. UConn immediately responded with a run of their own in the corresponding half inning on a fly out to right field that allowed Cutler to score.

The teams repeated this dance in the third, as UMass-Lowell slapped another single to left field and propelling a baserunner to home plate. Power hitter Marcelino would not left UConn fall behind and used her at-bat to post a single of her own up the middle that allowed the speedy Aziah James to score. With the game tied at two all, the teams continued their duel into the late afternoon.

The River Hawks added a pair to their efforts in the top of the fourth via a two RBI homer to right field. The Huskies' response couldn't have been any clearer that they weren't going down without a fight. The top of the fifth was a true display of offense for UConn, scoring five runs. Junior Ashlee Dahman and Esty started the half inning off with being walked. Sophomore Reese Guevarra singled up the middle and loaded the bases, chasing UMass-Lowell's starting pitcher from the circle. Amid a play later, Dahman scored on a passed ball. Due up next was Marcelino, who sent the ball out of the park over left center bringing Guevarra and Esty in with her. Cutler walked. Junior Kiwi McDaniel singled to third base and placed Cutler at second. Freshman Alexis Lemus singled up the middle with McDaniel and Cutler shifting over a base. Redshirt-sophomore Olivia Sappington reached on a fielder's choice to the pitcher sending Lemus to second, McDaniel to third, with Cutler out on the play at home. Junior pinch hitter Carissa Brizzi reached on another fielder's choice with Sappington out at second and Lemus to third, McDaniel was able to score UConn's seventh run. The Huskies retook the lead heading into the top of the sixth, 7-4.

UConn kept UMass-Lowell scoreless in the sixth withstanding a game tying or taking rally. The Huskies were unable to seal the game in the bottom of the sixth and headed into the seventh atop the River Hawks.

Although the sun began to fade entering the top of the seventh, the UMass-Lowell offense did not. The River Hawks' pinch hitter was walked on a bases loaded situation. Sophomore Marybeth Olson at this point entered the contest to pitch for freshman Kylie Gavitt. However, a single to left field kept the rotation alive and scored a baserunner. On a pop up to right field, another UMass-Lowell baserunner crossed home plate. The River Hawks had tied the game at seven all. The Huskies tried to answer back but were only able to knock a single to right field.

The eighth inning was a trying one for both teams who had battled through the wind chill and waning sun. A straight three-up three-down half inning for UMass-Lowell and a single to left field in addition to a walk were the highlights for UConn. Still tied, the match up headed into its ninth inning. The River Hawks loaded the bases on the fifth batter in the order and followed that with a single to score the runner at third. The Huskies sent McDaniel, Lemus, and Sappington at the pitcher but were unable to take up a base.

Junior Kate Koshes got the nod to start in the circle for UConn and pitched four innings. She was relieved by Gavitt who tossed a pair of really good innings. Olson entered the contest to wrap up the game for the UConn pitching staff.

The Huskies will resume American Athletic Conference play against the Shockers of Wichita State this weekend. First-pitch of the three-day series will come in Wichita, Kan. at 6:00 p.m.