In the tale of two vastly different games, the Redhawks went 1-1 on the first day of the Red Desert Classic. In game one, an impressive seventh inning by BYU (1-2) and a lack of offensive output for the Redhawks gave SU their first loss of the season, 10-0. In game two, Seattle U's ability to score early and play solid defense gave them a big win over Oklahoma State, 3-2.
"I was proud of how our team responded after losing to BYU," said head coach Dan Powers. "Jessica (Ulrich) and Mandie (Sugita) kept their hitters off balance and our defense made some great plays. Our offense was led by Rogin (Hardy) and Jenny (Hurst) today. We'll keep making adjustments and get the rest of the team going tomorrow."
Game 1 - BYU 10, SU 0
BYU got on the board first, as they added two runs in the first inning. Their first up to bat, JC Clayton scored the first run of the season for the Cougars. Marissa Bravo added a second run to put them up, 2-0, after the first inning of play.
Neither team was able to score for the next four innings, as the score remained 2-0 going into the top of the sixth. Bravo singled to left field and Katie Manuma hit a home run to drive in two more wins and put BYU up, 4-0.
The Cougars took advantage of their final inning, adding to their lead and scoring six runs in the top of the seventh. The inning included a 2RBI single by Mylee Davis and a 2RBI triple by Ashlee Brawley Robinson.
Up to bat one final time, SU went three and out to give BYU the win, 10-0.
Seattle U recorded just three hits in 24 at bats, with Jenny Hurst (Laguna Niguel, Calif.), Rogin Hardy (Kirkland, Wash.), and Allegra Wilde (Kennewick, Wash.) each contributing a hit. Hurst and Hardy recorded their first doubles of the season.
Richelle Ashburn (Post Falls, Idaho) started in the circle for the Redhawks, giving up nine runs on seven hits, walking two and striking out four. Mandie Sugita (Rossmoor, Calif.) came in for the final 2/3 inning, allowing three runs on three hits while walking two.
For the Cougars, Tori Almond got the complete game shutout, giving up just three hits and striking out 13 of 25 batters faced.
Isabella Geronimo (San Mateo, Calif.) got her first start as a Redhawk in right field, and Jennifer Sweet (Bend, Ore.) and Brittney Lott (Tacoma, Wash.) made their first appearance.
Game 2 - Seattle U 3, Oklahoma State 2
In one of the program's first ever wins over a major conference opponent, the Redhawks topped Oklahoma State (1-1), who was receiving votes in the preseason top-25, in game two on the day, 3-2.
SU immediately jumped on top, 2-0, as Sarah Petosa (Federal Way, Wash.) and Brianna Guerrero (Buena Park, Calif.) scored on doubles by Guerrero and Hardy respectively.
Oklahoma State decreased the deficit to one in the bottom of the first, 2-1, as Tiffany Mikkelson doubled to center field to bring in Ari Morrison.
Neither team scored in the second, but each added another run in the third inning. Hardy hit a solo home run in the top of the third and OSU's Tamara Brown scored on a Tarah Ettinger double to right field.
The score 3-2 in favor of the Redhawks, neither team were able to score for the final four innings, and SU came away with the win.
Jessica Ulrich got her first win in the circle of the season, pitching 3 2/3 innings and allowing just two runs on seven hits, while walking three and striking out three. Sugita made her second appearance of the day, getting the save, allowing just two hits and walking one in 3 1/3 innings.
Hardy led Seattle U with two hits and two RBIs, recording three total hits on the day. Geronimo got her second start of the day, also her second career start.
In the circle for the Cowgirls, Simone Freeman pitched the first three innings, allowing all three runs, while walking one and striking out five. Kat Espinosa entered in relief, pitching the final four innings, allowing just one hit and striking out three.
Seattle U (1-1) returns to action tomorrow as part of the Red Desert Classic, facing Southern Utah at 10 a.m. PT and Utah at 3 p.m. PT.