The University of Akron Athletics
Softball Shuts Down Wagner Seahawks, 6-1
February 21 | Softball
Charleston, S.C. - Powered by a strong
performance from sophomore pitcher Andrea Arney, The University
of Akron softball team (3-1) wrapped up day two of the Cougar
Classic with a 6-1 win over Wagner (0-4) Saturday evening at
Patriots Pointe in Charleston, S.C.
Arney (2-0) gave up just one earned run while striking out nine and
walking no one in seven innings pitched. Wagner's only offensive
action came in the first inning when the Seahawks pieced together a
run off two singles, a wild pitch and stolen base. Arney would
limit WU the rest of the way allowing just three hits.
Offensively Akron was led by freshman Alissa Birkhimer who
in her first appearance as a Zip had two hits and drove in three
runs. Junior Alex Feltes added two hits,
two runs and two RBI.
Grabbing a lead off hit in each of the first four innings, Akron
wouldn't score until the third when junior Sarah Earley led off
with a base hit. Known for her speed, Earley advanced to third on a
sacrifice bunt by senior Krista Hansen and would
put Akron on the board (1-1) when Feltes doubled to right field.
Birkhimer drove in her first run as a collegiate athlete when she
battled to a 3-2 count eventually driving a hard hit single to
center for a 2-1 lead the Zips never relinquished.
Akron would add another in the fourth off a fielder's choice that
put junior Sarah Stromack on first and
a two base Wagner error would allow her to score (3-1). The Zips
secured their lead in the top of seventh adding three runs on three
hits for the 6-1 final.
After beating James Madison 4-3 in extra innings Friday, the Zips
fell 3-1 to the Dukes (2-2) in the first game of the day as JMU
went up early scoring a run in the second inning adding two in the
third.
A Akron pitching change would bring transfer Alex Riedeman into
the game in the fourth inning for her first appearance as a Zip and
she would pitch four shutout innings of relief giving up just three
hits.
Akron would look for a comeback in the seventh as Earley would lead
off the top of the inning with a hard infield hit. Senior Krista
Hansen followed with a single up the middle, both advancing off
a Feltes ground out. Earley put Akron on the board scoring off a
ground out but it would be UA's final offensive action as another
ground out got the Seahawks safely out of the inning for the 3-1
victory.
On the weekend, Feltes is 6-for-13 including two doubles and one
triple while scoring five runs.
Akron will conclude tournament play Sunday facing No. 15 Louisville
at 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be the first time in fourth year head
coach Julie Jones UA career that
the Zips have met a ranked opponent.
