Seattle University softball split day two with Utah Valley (25-17-1, 6-6), falling in the first contest, 2-1, but winning the second, 7-6, thanks in part to a grand slam by Mandie Sugita (Rossmoor, Calif.). With the win today, the Redhawks took the series win, 3-1. Seattle U improves to 7-5 in the Pacific Coast Softball Conference.
"We played two tough games today to split and win the series," said head coach Dan Powers. "I was proud of our response after losing the first game. Mandie [Sugita] had the big grand slam and got the save in relief. We showed good signs of putting everything together this weekend."
Game One - Utah Valley 2, Seattle U 1
The Wolverines put two on the board to begin game one and held the 2-0 lead until the top of the third inning, when Sarah Petosa (Auburn, Wash.) scored the Redhawks' only run of the game.
Seattle U threatened, leaving two on base in both the fifth and sixth innings, but were not able to score another run and fell, 2-1, in the contest.
Richelle Ashburn (Post Falls, Idaho) pitched the entire game for the Redhawks, giving up two runs, only one of which was earned, on five hits, while walking two and striking out five in six innings pitched.
Tiffany Mills earned the win for the Wolverines, allowing one run on four hits, while walking one and striking out four in seven innings pitched.
Game Two - Seattle U 7, Utah Valley 6
Seattle U showed early offensive domination, adding five runs to the board in the opening frame, thanks to a Lisa Maulden (Maple Valley, Wash.) single and Sugita's grand slam.
Utah Valley scored a run of their own in the bottom of the first before two scoreless innings ensued for either team.
The Redhawks took the 7-1 lead in the top of the fourth as Theresa Clark (Lakewood, Colo.) and Petosa added runs of their own.
The Wolverines fought back, adding a run in the bottom of the fourth and two each in the bottom of the fifth and sixth, but solid defense by the Redhawks held further scoring, and Seattle U came away with the 7-6 win.
Jessica Ulrich (Lewiston, Idaho) earned the win for the Redhawks, giving up five runs on eight hits, while walking two and striking out three in five innings pitched. Sugita notched the save, allowing only one run on one hit, while walking and striking out one batter.
Mills got the start in the circle for Utah Valley and was handed the loss, allowing seven runs on four hits, while walking and striking out three in 3 2/3 innings pitched. Megan Peay entered in relief and allowed one hit, while walking two and striking out four in 3 1/3 innings pitched.
Seattle U (14-21, 7-5) next heads to Portland State for two days of conference doubleheaders, Apr. 21-22, starting at noon each day.