April 21, 2009
LEXINGTON, Ky. –
The Kentucky softball team has seen a break from action for more than a week and will return to the diamond Wednesday when they host in-state rival Eastern Kentucky for a single game at the UK Softball Complex. First pitch is set for a 5 p.m. start.
Kentucky was last in action over a week ago on the road at Alabama. UK had a non-conference doubleheader scheduled on Sunday during its SEC-bye week. However, inclement weather forced a cancellation of the games with UT-Chattanooga allowing the Blue and White its extra rest.
Head Coach Rachel Lawson’s squad has just eight games remaining in its regular season. Two of those games will be non-conference in-state opponents. Up first is Eastern Kentucky, with a second match-up with Louisville set for next week.
The Blue and White has enjoyed a steady offensive attack from a number of players. Junior Molly Johnson paces the squad with a .409 batting average and seven home runs. Sophomores Meagan Aull and Megan Yocke have enjoyed break-out seasons. Aull holds a .315 average and leads the team with 10 doubles and 21 stolen bases. Yocke has served as one of UK’s best clutch-hitters this season. The California native has a .311 average and leads the team with 27 RBI. She also paces the Wildcats with nine sacrifice hits and two sac flies on the season.
In the circle a pair of freshman has been the biggest surprises for UK this season. Rachel Riley has been dominant as of late holding the No. 1 Florida Gators to just one hit and yielding just one earned run to No. 6 Alabama in her last two starts. Chanda Bell has broken a number of strikeout records in her first season. She totaled 15 in a game and has nearly 200 for the season–both UK records.
Eastern Kentucky enters the series with UK with a 16-19 overall record. EKU is led by Sheyenne Hussey’s .333 average and 24 runs batted in. On the mound, Kalyn Fox holds a 6-1 record and a 2.14 ERA to lead the pitching rotation.
Stay tuned to UKathletics.com for the most up to date information about the Kentucky softball team.
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