April 5, 2008

Stats

Box Score in PDF Format

Orlando, Fla. -The University of Houston softball team defeated UCF, 5-1, Saturday to take the first game of the three-game series in Orlando. The second game of the scheduled double-header was halted due to rain and will conclude on Sunday.

No. 9 Houston is 32-4 overall this season and 10-0 in C-USA. They hold an 8-0 advantage over the Knights in the all-time series.

The Cougars got on the board first in the second inning of the first game. Freshman Jennifer Klinkert reached base first for Houston after being hit by a pitch. She would advance to third on two straight wild pitches by UCF pitcher Allison Kime and eventually score on a single by junior Laurie Wagner. Wagner took her turn around the bases moving to second on a sacrifice bunt by senior Amanda Grote then scoring on a single by senior Angel Shamblin.

The Knights looked to even the score in the fifth inning but they would only come away with one run when Kime scored after being walked.

Looking to extend their lead, Houston loaded the bases in the top of the seventh inning. Shamblin hit a double to right center and junior Haley Valis followed that up with a walk. Junior Christa Raley moved them each a base, with a bunt, to put three runners in scoring position. Junior Jessica Valis brought in freshman Casey Willow, the pinch runner for Shamblin, with a single to the short stop. Junior Katie Bush continued the trend reaching base on a fielder's choice but the Knights tagged out Haley Valis at home for the first out. Raley and Jessica Valis would extend the Cougars lead 5-1 when they both scored on a single by junior Elaina Nordstrom to close out the scoring in the inning.

Shamblin moves to 19-2 this season in the circle. She pitched the complete game striking out six batters, allowing five hits, one run and one walk.

Game Two
Houston started the second game of the double-header but following their first at bat the game was halted due to rain. It will resume in the bottom of the first inning at 10am tomorrow. The final game of the series will follow the conclusion of the game.

Up Next
Houston will wrap up the series against the Knights on Sunday with a double-header slated to begin at 10am.

Following Sunday's contest, Houston will return home for a single game against the USA Olympic Team on April 8 at 7pm at Memorial Park. The Cougars will then host Texas-San Antonio in a double-header on April 9 at 4pm. They will return to conference action with a series against ECU on April 12-13.