The UConn softball team hosted Georgetown at home for a three-game conference series. A doubleheader took place on Friday, and the last game took place on Sunday. The Huskies came out victorious in this Big East matchup, winning all three games. They especially dominated in the second game, ending with a final score of 12-4.
The program dominated in their last Big East matchup against DePaul, winning all three games of the series. The team performed especially well in their first game against DePaul, winning 16-1. Sophomore outfielder Kaitlyn Breslin was a key offensive player of the game. Breslin had five RBIs, which included a three-run home run in the third inning. On the defensive side graduate student pitcher Payton Kinney was a key player. She started off the huskies strong, pitching for four straight innings, allowing just one hit and one run with three strikeouts.
The series started off with a close 2-1 win for the Huskies. Junior pitcher Hope Jenkins dominated defensively, pitching her first complete game of the season. H. Jenkins gave up just one run on five hits and added four strikeouts. The Hoyas started off the scoring of the game with a solo home run in the second inning. However, the Huskies quickly responded with junior Haley Coupal scoring junior Kaiea Higa from third base to tie the game. H. Jenkins also responded after the Hoyas homer by retiring 18 out of the last 20 Hoya hitters. Breslin secured the win for the Huskies with a two-out solo home run in the sixth inning bringing the score to 2-1.
In the second game, Kinney pitched for four innings giving up just one run on four hits with four strikeouts. Georgetown once again started off the scoring of the game with a solo home run in the second inning. UConn quickly responded in the second inning by scoring eight runs. The eight-point run started off with Coupal scoring Breslin from second base. Junior outfielder Kaitlyn Kibling then took the bat scoring freshman Cat Petteys from third base. The next run was scored by Coupal from third base aided by freshman catcher Heidi Barber. Junior Grace Jenkins was next up to bat and knocked in Kibling from third base. The Huskies’ batters kept the momentum with Higa coming up next, scoring senior Lexi Hastings from third base. Senior infielder Rosie Garcia then scored G. Jenkins on another single to center field. The inning was capped off with Petteys hitting a two-run double scoring Higa and Garcia.
Coupal locked in the win for the Huskies, by hitting a grand slam in the fourth inning. This is the first home run of Coupal’s career and extended the Huskies’ lead to 12-1. The Hoyas attempted to make a comeback in the fifth inning by hitting a three-run home run, bringing the score to 12-4; however, the deficit was too large for the team to overcome. The Huskies obtained the win a run rule victory.
The series ended with another big win for the Huskies. The team’s strong pitching and balanced offense allowed them to cruise comfortably to a 12-3 victory. Kinney set a formidable tone early in the game, throwing four scoreless innings and allowing just two hits and four walks. The offense was a team effort led by Garcia, G. Jenkins, Breslin, Coupal and Higa. Hastings went 2-for-4 with a double and drove in three runs. Garcia added an RBI with G. Jenkins contributing two RBIs. Breslin drove in two runs off a 1-for-3 performance. Coupal had a perfect 1-for-1 performance with two RBIs. Higa capped off the offense with an RBI going 1-for-4.
Graduate student Sammy Fenton led the Hoya’s offense, going 1-for-2 with a double and two RBIs. The sophomore infielder also contributed to the offense with one RBI. However, the team was no match against Kinney and the rest of the Huskies’ pitchers.
UConn will look to bring the same dominance to their game against Boston College on Tuesday, April 29. The game will be held at home and can be watched on FloSports with first pitch at 6 p.m.