University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Ohio University
Softball Opens 2021 Season at Kickin’ Chicken Classic
2/11/2021 3:08:00 PM | Softball
STORRS, Conn. – After nearly 11 months away, the UConn softball team makes its return to the diamond this weekend! The Huskies open up their 2021 season in Conway, S.C., at the Kickin' Chicken Classic – a three-day event hosted by Coastal Carolina.
Opening Day kicks off with an 11:00 a.m. tilt against the Ohio Bobcats, before closing out the evening session with a showdown vs. #23 Tennessee. This will the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
Saturday the Huskies are pitted against host-school Coastal Carolina in a late afternoon game, with first pitch set for 4:45 p.m.
UConn concludes the weekend slate with a second matchup against the Lady Vols Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
Broadcast Information
Day 1: Live Stats - UConn vs. Ohio
Live Stats – UConn vs. Tennessee
Day 2: Live Stats – UConn vs. CCU | Watch - UConn vs. Coastal Carolina
Day 3: Live Stats – UConn vs. #23 Tennessee
Husky Highlights
A Well-Balanced Roster…
Under second-year head coach Laura Valentino, the UConn softball team has a well-balanced roster heading into the 2021 season. Of 21 players on the roster, the freshman (7) and sophomore (3) classes combine to make up 10 of the roster spots. In addition to the youth, Valentino's leadership is made up of six juniors, four seniors and a graduate student.
Building on Momentum…
The Huskies are looking to pick up right where they left off in 2020. Prior to the season ultimately getting cancelled due to CoVID-19, UConn jumped out to a 16-5 record to begin the 2020 season. The 16 victories featured three Power-5 wins, six shutouts, five run-rule victories, and was the program's best start through 21 games since the 1993 season.
Key Returners on the Mound…
Two of three pitchers for UConn are returners, led by senior Marybeth Olson. Last season on the mound Olson nabbed 10 wins, pitched 62.1 innings, 1.46 ERA and 80 strikeouts. She is accompanied by sophomore Meghan O'Neil and freshman Payton Kinney.
Welcome To UConn…
The Huskies welcome seven freshmen to its roster. This class consists of a pair of catchers (Lauren Bensen/ Madisyn Estorga), four outfielders (Jana Sanden/Makenzie Mason/Taylor Zatyk/Rileigh DeWeese) and the aforementioned Kinney. From all over the country, these student-athletes hail from Connecticut, New York, Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, California and British Columbia
Scouting the Opponent…
- Ohio enters this season coming off an 11-15 mark in 2020 and returns almost the entire roster, including top hitters Allie Englant (.405) and Katie Yun (.367). The Bobcats registered 204 hits, 38 doubles and eight triples this past season, accumulated just a .287 average as a group while allowing .317.
- The Chanticleers concluded the shortened 2020 season at 13-8. Coastal Carolina is led by offensive threat Makiya Thomas, who became the first player in school history to lead the Sun Belt Conference in batting average (.463) and on-base percentage (.532). Sophomore Raelee Brabham also returns to the mound after posting a 2.53 ERA and 6-3 record.
- Tennessee enters the 2021 campaign ranked #23, its 18th-consecutive year in the preseason polls. The Lady Vols competed against six Power-5 opponents and ended last season with a record of 14-9. UT features 17 returnees from last year's squad, including 2019 NFCA All-Region and All-SEC first teamer Ashley Rogers and co-leaders Ally Shipman and Chelsea Seggern, who co-led the team with a .403 batting average, 25 hits and seven doubles.
