UConn hosts Bryant University for their mid-week game at the Burrill Family Field on Tuesday, Apr. 24. The Huskies cruised to a 4-1 win over the Bulldogs, leading to their second mid-week victory. (Photo by Jon Sammis/The Daily Campus)
The UConn softball team will look to bounce back from a five-game losing streak in Boca Raton, Florida for the Florida Atlantic Softball Tournament this weekend.
UConn (3-5) will be taking on FCGU and FAU this weekend, with a double-header both days.
FCGU (5-2) features a dominant pitching staff starring senior LHP Riley Randolph and sophomore RHP Marrisa Mesiemore. This staff has allowed just six runs throughout the six games it has pitched in, with just two of those runs being earned. FGCU pitchers have allowed three extra base hits in 42.0 innings of work.
Randolph sports a 0.21 ERA in 33.0 innings with 39 strikeouts and a .197 batting average. She has completed two of the three games she has started. Mesiemore has 2.00 ERA in 21.0 innings pitched with 15 strikeouts and a .241 batting average.
Offensively FGCU has been fine, scoring 2.68 runs per game. Considering they have given up only 1.33 runs per game so far, this is not necessarily a bad thing. However, it may not be sustainable.
Sammi Poehlman has shown up so far in the FGCU lineup, hitting .333/.375/.367 with one triple and two RBI to go along with two runs scored. Otherwise, the Eagles have put up limited numbers. Junior infielder Mikenzie Vaughn has four RBI with two doubles and two runs scored as well.
FAU (3-7) has also experienced limited production from its lineup but has seen some ups and downs from its pitching. FAU’s defense has struggled, committing 12 errors through ten games.
Due to poor defense, the Owls had already allowed 13 unearned runs in 68.0 innings. FAU pitchers have also struck out 31 batters to 36 walks.
Senior RHP Kelsey Morrison has a 1.24 ERA through 17.0 innings with nine strikeouts and eight walks given up. Skylar Whitty had a complete game shutout with seven strikeouts against Virginia in her lone start this season. Mia Olson has struggled so far, with a 3.57 ERA and 14 walks compared to just four strikeouts in 17.2 innings pitched. Hitters have a .342 batting average against Olson, who also has a 2.38 WHIP.
Offensively Olson has done well, with two bombs, four RBI, and four runs scored despite hitting .241/.290/.448. Aside from Olson, the Owls have not gotten much other production.
UConn is currently riding a five-game skid with two beatable teams in front of them. If the Huskies offense can get something going against tough FGCU and decent FAU pitching, then they will have a good shot at doing well in this tournament.
Mike Mavredakis is a campus correspondent for the Daily Campus. He can be reached via email at michael.quinn-mavredakis@uconn.edu.
