This Tuesday, the UConn softball team (31-14, 17-4) welcomes a familiar foe, the Boston College Eagles (21-26, 5-16), to Burrill Family Field for a midweek out-of-conference clash. This marks the second matchup between the Huskies and Eagles this season, with UConn winning 7-0 in Chestnut Hill, Mass., earlier this month. This time, however, the Huskies come in as one of the hottest teams in college softball, looking to continue their winning ways.
Currently riding a nine-game winning streak, the Huskies are tied for first place in the Big East, boasting a 17-4 conference record. The name of the Huskies’ game has been their bats all season long, especially highlighted by the long ball.
Junior catcher Grace Jenkins and sophomore outfielder Kaitlyn Breslin currently lead the Big East in home runs, seemingly locked in a home run race reminiscent of Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. Jenkins has clobbered 17, while Breslin has hit 15. Keep an eye out for some balls to leave the yard this Tuesday, especially off the bats of Jenkins and Breslin.
Rosie Garcia, Cat Petteys, Kaiea Higa and Lexi Hastings have all performed exceptionally well at the plate this season, each posting a batting average of .300 or higher. If the Huskies keep up their current offensive firepower, it will be extremely difficult for the Eagles to leave Storrs with a win.
Though it’s doubtful that UConn ace Payton Kinney will pitch due to the non-conference nature of the game, it’s likely that redshirt sophomore Sydnee Koosh will get some innings. The Robert Morris transfer threw seven scoreless innings against the Eagles in their previous matchup, surrendering only five hits and no runs. Whether she pitches or not, the Huskies’ bullpen depth should give them confidence heading into this contest.
On the other hand, Boston College outfielder Jordan Stephens is having quite the year for the Eagles. The senior is batting a team-high .364 while also leading in hits (52), doubles (11), and home runs (9). Though the Eagles’ lineup has struggled to produce runs at times, Stephens’ consistency has been a bright spot — something the Huskies need to hone in on.
First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday at Burrill Family Field.