University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Split on Opening Day of aTen Construction Tourney
2/19/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
In game one, the Gophers put together their first complete game of the season. Offensive production complemented by strong defense and great pitching helped push the Gophers past the Knights.
Leading the team offensively were Malisa Barnes, Allie Siu, and Aubrey Davis. Barnes drew two walks, was hit by a pitch, doubled, and hit her second home run of the season. Siu went 2-for-3, dropping down two singles and a sacrifice bunt. Davis went 2-for-2 with a single, a triple, and two walks. Ultimately, the Gophers posted nine runs on eight hits in the win.
Defense and pitching were also spot on and shut down the Knights' offensive game. Sarah Moulton owned the circle by striking out seven and only giving up three runs on eight hits. Great defensive play from Dannie Skrove and Jessie Hathaway helped keep Rutgers' many threats at bay. Rutgers stranded seven runners on the base paths.
Game two would be a different story, though. The Gophers scored their lone run in the first inning, but UC-Riverside came back to post two of its own, taking over the lead and never looking back. The Highlanders scored three more runs in the third, and added another in the fifth for a total of six runs on ten hits.
The Gophers posted one run on four hits, while recording four errors. They also left five runners on base.
Moulton and Alissa Koch shared the mound duties. Moulton threw the first three innings, giving up five runs on six hits and striking out four. On the day, Moulton struck out a total of eleven batters. Koch entered the game to pitch the final three innings, facing fourteen batters and only allowing one run on four hits in the relief appearance.
The Gophers continue play on Saturday at the aTen Construction Tournament with two games against Loyola Marymount.
