University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Santa Clara University
UConn Completes Day 2 of Capital Classic
2/29/2020 8:07:00 PM | Softball
DAVIS, Calif. – The UConn softball team completed day two of the Capital Classic Saturday afternoon, going 1-1 in games against Santa Clara and Saint Mary's. The Huskies overpowered the Broncos for the second-straight day on the way to an 8-0 shutout win. UConn would fall in the second game, dropping a 6-5 decision to the Gaels.
The Huskies close out the weekend tomorrow against host Sacramento State, with first pitch set for 2:30 pm ET / 11:30 am PT.
Game 1:
The Husky offense picked right back up where it left off against Santa Clara, exploding for eight runs on the way to a sweep of the Broncos. UConn accumulated its eight runs on 11 hits, while also totaling six RBI's. Freshman Meghan O'Neil recorded her fourth win of the season following seven innings of work in the circle.
Devon Casazza (2-4) paced UConn with a run, two RBI's and a double, followed by Briana Marcelino (1-3) who finished the game with two runs and one double. Ashlee Dahman (2-3), Olivia Sappington (1-3), Reese Guevarra (1-5) and pinch runners Cali Jolley and Hollis Wivell were responsible for the other UConn runs while pinch hitter Morgan Ash (1-1), Kiwi McDaniel (2-3) and Samantha Barnett (0-4) each chipped in RBI's.
UConn jumped out to a quick lead with a pair of runs in the first. Marcelino set the scoring in motion with a double into center field, then Sappington advanced to first after being hit by a pitch, placing two runners on base. Barnett reached on a fielding error then advanced to second on the throw, allowing Sappington to move up to third while scoring Marcelino in the process. The next play, McDaniel knocked a single up the middle and Sappington came around to give the Huskies a 2-0 lead.
After getting walked to begin the top of the third, Marcelino caught the defense slipping and stole second. The junior notched her second run of the afternoon shortly afterwards to put the Huskies ahead by three.
The Huskies extended their lead to four in the top of the fifth. Following Guevarra's single up the middle, Sappington added one of her own to move Guevarra ahead to second. Back-to-back walks of McDaniel and Cutler scored Guevarra, giving UConn a 4-nil advantage.
UConn put the final touches on the win with an explosive seventh inning. McDaniel started things off with a single up the middle, then Jolley – who checked in for McDaniel – stole second. Cutler reached on a fielding error and Jolley scored. Dahman stepped up to the plate and drilled one into center field, advancing Cutler. On the ensuing play, Casazza knocked a double-bagger into center field that scored Dahman and Wivell. Ash followed with a single of her own that brought Casazza around for an 8-0 UConn lead.
O'Neil delivered a quick 1-2-3 at the bottom of the inning to secure the shutout.
Game 2:
UConn was tripped up in their second game against Saint Mary's. The Huskies jumped out to an early lead, but the Gaels rallied to steal the win. Olivia Sappington (2-4) led the charge with a home run, three RBI's and one run. Briana Marcelino (2-4), Samantha Barnett (1-2), Carli Cutler (0-1) and Reese Guevarra (0-4) each notched runs while Devon Casazza (1-3) added two RBI's.
Guevarra reached on a fielding error by the shortstop, then advanced to second off Marcelino's single. Sappington stepped up and drilled a homer to right center, Guevarra and Marcelino also scored to put the Huskies ahead 3-0 in the top of the third. Barnett added a run at the end of the inning to increase the UConn advantage to four.
Cutler was walked to begin the third, advancing to second off Dahman's sacrifice bunt. Casazza knocked a single up the middle and Cutler scored to give UConn a 5-0 lead.
Saint Mary's rallied and took the lead following six runs in the bottom of the third.
The Huskies had a chance to regain the lead and grab the win as they loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh, but we're unable to capitalize and SMC held on to steal the win
