March 31, 2009
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky softball team will begin a 15 game home stand in the month of April with in-state rival Louisville on Wednesday. The Cardinals enter the match-up with a national ranking of No. 14/16 and have earned a 29-5 overall record to start the season. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. ET.
Kentucky has totaled the best start in school history with a 22-11 overall record. The Blue and White also strung together a school-best eight game winning streak this season to add to their impressive start. The Wildcats have an unblemished 5-0 record in the friendly confines of the UK Softball Complex and will see 15 of their 17 games at home in the month of April.
Last week freshman pitcher Chanda Bell and sophomore center fielder Meagan Aull enjoyed record breaking weeks for the Blue and White. Bell tossed UK’s first-ever no-hitter in a 1-0 win over Western Kentucky. The freshman worked a complete game, striking out five batters and allowed just one base runner in the historic feat. Additionally, she tallied 23 strikeouts in two wins over Kent State to claim the single-season strikeout record that had previously been held for 10 seasons by Keary Camunas.
Aull used a .417 batting average and a team-leading five RBI for her impressive week. In the second game of the doubleheader against Kent State she set a single-game UK record with four stolen bases. Aull leads the team with 19 stolen bases on the season.
The Cards are led by a blistering offensive attack that produces eight starters with batting averages above .300. Chelsea Bemis paces the bats with a .426 clip, seven home runs and 29 RBI. Kristen Wadwell has also been a force in the circle for Louisville. Wadwell holds an astonishing 23-5 overall record and boasts a 1.16 ERA. Also she has posted 157 strikeouts on the season.
The two in-state rivals have met 21 times on the diamond beginning the series in 2000. Kentucky currently holds a 12-9 overall record over the Cardinals, but Louisville did escape with two wins a year ago.
Kentucky students and staff are encouraged to come out and support the Wildcats for the official “Pack the Park” night. Following the conclusion of the game members of the UKAA staff will participate in a Home Run Derby with Head Coach Rachel Lawson serving as the pitcher.
Live stats and complete coverage of the UK Softball team against Louisville can be found at the team’s official homepage UKathletics.com.
Kentucky-Louisville Promotions
Pack the Park
UK Faculty & Staff Night – free admission for UK faculty & staff and up to 3 guests with ID
UKAA Staff Appreciation – food from Billy’s Bar-B-Q for members of the athletic staff
First 50 UK students receive free UK Nike pullover
First 50 UK fans receive free UK luggage tags & trading cards
Post-game UKAA staff homerun derby
