Virginia Opens Cathedral City Classic with Wins Against BYU, Utah
Story Links
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The Virginia softball team (8-3) opened the Cathedral City Classic with wins over Brigham Young, 9-3, and Utah, 4-2, Thursday in Palm Springs, Calif.
In the opener against BYU, the Cavaliers used an eight-run fifth inning to go onto a 9-3 victory. After a 1-1 tie through three innings, the Cougars (6-6) put up two runs in the top of the fourth to take a 4-2 lead.
The Cavaliers then scored eight runs on four hits in the fifth, highlighted by a Kristen Hawkins bases-clearing three RBI double. Alex Skinkis and Alison Pittman singled in the inning and Giannina Cipolloni also recorded a double.
For the contest, Virginia outhit BYU 8-5.
Sophomore pitcher Melanie Mitchell earned the win in the circle for the Orange and Blue. She pitched all seven innings and allowed just one earned run. Mitchell also struck out eight batters with three walks.
The Cavaliers followed the BYU game with a 4-2 win over Utah, after putting up all four runs in the fourth inning. The Cavaliers, however, were limited to two hits in the game while the Utes tallied eight hits.
Freshman Marcy Bowdren began the UVa fourth with a leadoff double to left center field. Stephanie Harris walked but Utah (5-8) was able to get two quick outs. The next batter, Alexa Martinez, was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Hawkins was also hit by a pitch to bring in Bowdren. Harris then came in to score on a passed ball, with Martinez moving to third and Hawkins to second. Pittman’s bunt down the third base line was scored an error and allowed both Martinez and Hawkins to score after the ball was overthrown at home.
Freshman Erica Cipolloni earned her first collegiate win in the circle against Utah. Cipolloni threw 4 1/2 innings and allowed one run on five hits. Mitchell came on and earned her second save of the year. She threw the final 2 2/3 innings, allowing one run on three hits.
The Cavaliers continue play at 10:30 a.m. (1:30 p.m. Eastern) Friday against Fresno State.