The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Stetson
Akron Softball Drops Season Opening Double-Header
February 12 | Softball
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Game one box score (PDF) | Game two box score (PDF)
Deland, Fla. – The University of Akron softball team struggled offensively in their season opening double-header, dropping the twinbill, 3-0 and 8-0 (six innings), against Stetson University, Friday afternoon in Deland, Fla.
"We were one hit away from winning game one if Kelly's (Hysong) hit up the middle goes through, it changes the game. We have got to pitch better and we need to make sure we are doing the little things right," said head coach Julie Jones. "After the second game, the three errors and a questionable call hurt us, but no matter what the situation, we have to be able to bounce back and keep our composure."
In the initial game of the twinbill, the Zips (0-2) could not get their bats going tallying just three base hits. All three Akron hits came in the fourth inning when the Zips loaded the bases with three singles by junior Anna Tarpley (Jacksonville, Fla.), freshman Gabrielle Fredericks (New Philadelphia, Ohio) and sophomore Caitlin Gambone (Canton, Ohio). Freshman Kelly Hysong (Canton, Ohio) drilled a line drive out to centerfield but it was caught to end the inning.
The Hatters (2-0) tacked on one run in the first, second and sixth inning en route to a 3-0 win. Stetson scored their first run on a throwing error, the second run came courtesy of a homerun to left field and the final run came off a single to right field.
The second game of the double-header ran through Fredericks as she ripped three of the four Akron hits to left field for singles. But once again, the Zips could not get a runner across the plate.
Stetson scored their eight runs in game two in bunches. The Hatters tallied three runs in the third inning. Two innings later, Stetson put three more runs on the board and ended the game an inning early with two more in the sixth.
Senior Erin Seiler (Bowling Green, Ohio) got the starting nod in game one and pitched two innings, gave up four hits and gave up two runs with one being earned. Sophomore Paige McMenemy (Westerville, Ohio) toed the rubber in the circle for game two. She threw 4.2 innings allowing four hits, six runs but only two were earned. Sophomore Nicole Best (Broadview Heights, Ohio) came in relief in both contests and was impressive in each outing. Best tossed a combined 4.2 innings, five hits and surrendered just one run.
Play resumes tomorrow as the Zips travel to Clermont, Fla., for the Dot Richardson Invitational. Akron squares off against Chattanooga at 1:30 p.m., then at 4 p.m. they go head-to-head with Bethune-Cookman.
