University of Connecticut Athletics
Softball Splits Doubleheader with Providence
4/7/2007 12:00:00 AM | Softball
UConn is now 15-13 on the season with a 4-5 BIG EAST record. Providence drops to 12-14 and 3-7 in conference play.
The Huskies and the Friars were neither one able to capitalize on hits throughout the four innings. UConn was the first to get on the board in the bottom of the fifth. Freshman Lauren Cecchi (Simsbury, Conn.) doubled to right center to start the inning. Senior Jessica Quan (Stockton, Calif.) stepped to the plate to hit a single and then advanced to second on the throw, allowing Cecchi to cross the plate for a 1-0 lead.
Providence fired back in the sixth when Rachel Bartholomew blasted a two-run home run to left field for a 2-1 advantage.
UConn answered in the bottom of the sixth when sophomore Jillian Ortega (Aberdeen, N.J.) singled up the middle to get the offense going. Junior Allie Gendron (Amherst, Mass.) grounded out to the pitcher which advanced Ortega to second. Sophomore Danielle Del Ponte (Tewksbury, Mass.) ripped a single through the middle to allow Ortega to score the eventual game-winning run at 3-2.
Freshman Tricia Sullivan (New Bedford, Mass.) pitched seven innings in the win striking out five batters and allowing six hits.
UConn scored the first run of the second game in the bottom of the third inning. Sophomore Meghan Tierney (Salem, Conn.) started the inning with a single off a bunt. Senior Holly Calcagno (Cedar Grove, N.J.) doubled down the left field line to allow Tierney to score.
Providence busted out offensively for eight runs in the top of the fourth for a commanding 8-1 lead. The Huskies responded with four runs in the bottom of the sixth to close-in at 8-5.
The Friars tacked on another run in the top of the sixth for a 9-5 advantage. Providence then scored seven more runs including a three-run home run by Katie Ross to win by a final margin of 16-5.
Senior Krista Michalczyk (Salem, N.H.) was charged with the loss allowing seven hits with four strikeouts.
UConn returns to action on Tuesday afternoon for a game at Hofstra at 4 p.m.
