HONOLULU, Hawai?i ? The University of Kentucky softball team struggled to generate offense as they fell in two games at the Paradise Classic hosted by the University of Hawai?i Saturday. UK lost 6-0 to Central Florida in the second game of bracket play and 6-0 to #15/16 Hawai?i in game one. The Wildcats (2-7, 0-0) will play for third place in the tournament at noon on Sunday.
The freshmen bats of Megan Yocke and Meagan Aull were a combined 5-6 at the dish as they led the way offensively in the second game against the Golden Knights. Annie Rowlands notched a hit against Hawai?i, giving the first year players a combined six hits on the afternoon.
UCF opened the scoring in the top of the first with a single up the middle scoring the lead-off hitter from third base to take the early 1-0 lead.
Kentucky turned around and started with a base hit from Yocke, the lead-off hitter. A well placed bunt down the right line from sophomore Natalie Smith put Yocke in scoring position at second, but UK could not take advantage of the quick start.
The Golden Knights added to their lead off a solo home run from the bat of Lindsay Dean in the top of the second. They built their lead to three runs off another single down the left field line scoring the runner from third. With runners on first and second, UK got out of the jam forcing a pop fly foul ball to end the threat.
After retiring UCF in order in the top of the third, Aull jump-started the UK offense with a single in the infield. Yocke followed with her second hit of the game putting runners on first and second. Aggressive base running had Aull caught stealing at third, but Yocke advanced to second. Smith sent a fly ball to center field and Molly Johnson ended the inning with a ground out to third base stranding another runner.
The Blue and White had another opportunity in the bottom of the fifth after Aull and Yocke each singled putting runners on first and second. The Wildcats would strand two more base runners ending the inning with a strikeout and a pop up to the shortstop.
UCF tacked on their final three runs in the top of the seventh finalizing the 6-0 score. The Golden Knights registered their second home run of the day as Allison Kime sent a three-run shot over the center field wall.
In the first game, Hawai?i?s Katie Grimes hit a leadoff home run to start a four-run inning for the Lady Wahine in the bottom of the third. Following a walk and a single, a run scored on a Kentucky throwing error. The final two runs came off a well hit double to deep left center field making the score 4-0. The Lady Wahine added two more runs in the bottom of the fifth off a two-run home run from Julie Franklin.
Offensively, Kentucky registered three hits off the bats of Bishop, senior Ashley Dimkich and freshman Annie Rowlands. Senior pitcher Lindsay Brogdon saw a season-high three innings of work when she relieved starter Megan Jolly in the fourth inning.
The Wildcats return to action for their final game of the Paradise Classic at noon on Sunday. UK will play for third place in the second game of the day. Complete coverage of the Wildcats can be found at www.ukathletics.com.
