University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
UNLV
Gophers Cap Weekend With 14-3 Win
2/8/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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Feb. 8, 2015
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - The 15th-ranked Minnesota softball team closed out its first weekend of play by picking up a 14-3 win in five innings against Sportco Kick Off Classic host UNLV Sunday at Eller Media Stadium. The Gophers are now 5-0 for the second-straight season and the fifth time in program history.
The victory evened up the all-time series between the schools at 5-5--Minnesota has a 3-1 edge under current head coach Jessica Allister. Minnesota posted 16 hits by 12 different batters.
The bats were awake early for the Gophers, who staked themselves to a 6-0 lead by making it through the order in the first inning.
Sam Macken started the scoring by doubling home Tyler Walker from first. A Kaitlyn Richardson single scored Macken and Hannah Granger later followed a Sara Groenewegen walk with a two-run double. Danielle Parlich then singled and stole second. Both she and Granger scored on infield outs.
Granger's double gave her hits in six-consecutive plate appearances.
Following a scoreless second inning, Minnesota continued its offensive surge when Madie Eckstrom blasted a pinch-hit three-run home run in the third. Erica Meyer then scored on a UNLV error to make it 10-0.
The Gophers capped their scoring in the fifth with a Syndey Fabian RBI triple, an Erica Meyer two-run home run and a Paige Palkovich RBI single. UNLV scor
Groenewegen improved to 3-0 in the circle, pitching four no-hit innings with eight strikeouts. She now has 26 K
Minnesota will continue its season with a trip to Florida next weekend. The schedule for that trip will be announced in the coming days.
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