"The team came out flat today, but we hope to make adjustments and compete better tomorrow," said head coach Dan Powers. "Kelli Demianew came in and threw well against Wichita State, but our bats were silent most of the day."
Seattle U 0, Western Kentucky 4
In their true season opener, solid pitching by sophomore Jessica Ulrich (Lewiston, Idaho) was not enough as the Redhawks fell 4-0 to Western Kentucky. Ulrich pitched six innings, throwing three strikeouts, while allowing only two earned runs.
Seattle U would only see one base runner in the game in Katie Gould (Medford, Ore.), as she reached on a walk in the top of the first.
Seattle U 2, Wichita State 7
An early lead by Wichita State would prove to be too much for Seattle U in their second game of the day, as SU dropped a 7-2 decision to the Shockers. WSU scored runs in the first four innings of action before the Redhawks were able to score their first run of the 2011 season.
In the bottom of the fifth, Allegra Wilde (Kennewich, Wash.) slammed a one out triple to center field. She would be sent home on Natalie Leyland's (Richland, Wash.) ensuing at bat, as the Wichita State pitcher threw a balk.
The following inning, freshman Brianna Guerrero (Buena Park, Calif.) would come in and take over right field duties. In her first career hit she sent a two out double to right center to set up Seattle U's next scoring opportunity. Wilde followed bringing Guerrero home off a single to center field.
On the mound, freshman Richelle Ashburn (Post Falls, Idaho) took over starting duties. In 3.2 innings of work, she threw four strikeouts in 23 batters faced. Also making their pitching debut was fellow freshman Kelli Demianew (Pendelton, Ore.), who allowed two hits and had a strikeout in 3.1 scoreless innings of work.
Seattle U will look to bounce back tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 12, as they will take on Western Kentucky twice. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. versus the Hilltoppers at day two of the UCSB Gaucho Classic I.