University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
USF
Huskies Fall to USF in American Opener
3/23/2018 12:00:00 AM | Softball
TAMPA, Fla. - Freshman outfielder Hollis Wivell recorded her eighth hit of the season for the UConn softball team on Friday, as the team dropped an 8-0 decision in six innings to USF in the American Athletic Conference opener at the USF Softball Complex.
The Huskies (13-17, 0-1) were outdueled by USF pitcher Georgina Corrick, who had six strikeouts and no walks in the complete-game win for the Bulls. Freshman pitcher Marybeth Olson (5-6) picked up the loss for UConn.
Olson allowed four earned runs (five total) on four hits in 2.1 innings of work, being relieved by senior Chelsea Eckert in the third frame. Eckert allowed one earned (three total) on five hits in 3.1 innings in the circle.
Wivell smacked a liner up the left field line in the third inning off Corrick, but was stranded at first base. UConn had numerous hits to the outfield, including a deep drive by sophomore Kiwi McDaniel in the third, but was unable to find the gaps in the USF defense.
The Bulls scored in five of the six innings played, including four runs in the third when Eckert came into the game for Olson. USF scored a pair of runs in the third inning on errors by freshman Briana Marcelino and sophomore Carli Cutler.
📸's from practice this morning at the USF Softball Complex. Beautiful day in Tampa. #PhaseWhy #UConnNation pic.twitter.com/MdX6dir3ir
- UConn Softball (@UConnSoftball) March 23, 2018
Lauren Evans got the scoring started for USF with a lead-off solo home run in the first, while an RBI double by Macy Cook in the second made it 2-0. The Bulls scored four times in the third, eventually leading to a mercy-rule inducing RBI hit by Brooke Hartman in the bottom of the sixth.
Olson and Eckert combined to leave six runners on base. In the fifth inning, Eckert made the play of the game for UConn. She hurled a scoreless frame after snagging a liner back to the circle and picking off the runner at first for a 1-3 double play.
UConn returns to action for the second game of the series with USF on Saturday at 4 p.m. A free live stream is available for all fans on Facebook Live.
