University of Connecticut Athletics
Huskies Come Close in Losses to Notre Dame
4/12/2002 12:00:00 AM | Softball
SOUTH BEND, IN (April 12, 2002) - The University of Connecticut softball team continued to battle hard, taking the Notre Dame Fighting Irish into extra innings in the first game of a doubleheader on Friday afternoon before falling, 1-0. In the second game, the Huskies were run-ruled in the sixth inning, 8-0. UConn’s extra-inning game was their third one this week.
With the losses, the Huskies fall to 7-24 overall and 1-9 in the BIG EAST, while the Fighting Irish move to 21-12 overall and remain undefeated in the BIG EAST at 8-0.
It was another pitching dual in the first game, between Husky starter Barb Cook (Jr., Conklin, NY) and Steffany Stenglein. However, strong hitting by the Irish finally allowed them to take the game in the bottom of the seventh off a double down the right field line and a single.
Cook took the loss to fall to 6-12 on the season, but only allowed seven hits and struck out four batters. Cook has pitched all of UConn’s extra-inning games this week. Stenglein moved to 12-8 with the win.
The Husky pitching staff struggled in the second game after Cook was injured in the second inning. After pitching the first inning, she gave up back-to-back doubles in the second. The second of the two hits came back at Cook, striking her in the head, forcing her to leave the game. Junior Claire Hesson (Kennebunkport, ME) replaced her, pitching four innings before reliever Caryn Haskins (East Freetown, MA) came in to pitch the remainder of the game.
The Huskies were unable to get the bats going in the second game, though, and were out-hit seven to four for an 8-0 margin.
Cook again took the loss, while Stenglein also took the win in the second game.
UConn continues BIG EAST action at noon on Sunday, April 14, when they travel to Pittsburgh, PA, to take on the Pittsburgh Panthers.
