Oct. 18, 2011

GUADALAJAR, Mexico – Kentucky assistant coach and former All-America great, Molly Johnson led the United States National Team to an opening 10-0 win over Venezuela in the Pan American Games with a 3-for-3 day at the dish.

Johnson led all batters with a perfect day from the plate which included a pair of doubles and four RBI to pace the offensive explosion in the opening round game of the 2011 Games.

Kentucky’s record-holder in nearly every offensive category placed her skills on display before the world in her first quality game action since injuring her leg in the summer circuits with Team USA earlier this year.

Starting at shortstop, Johnson helped the Americans to an early 2-0 lead in the second frame. After a solo home run from Jenae Leles gave USA a 1-0 edge, Valerie Arioto drew a walk to place a runner aboard. Johnson connected for a double into the left-center gap to plate Arioto all the way from first for the two-run advantage.

Johnson brought in a pair of insurance runs in the third to lift Team USA to a comfortable 4-0 lead. Johnson stepped to the dish with the bases loaded and sent a sky-high double into right field to score two more runs.

In the fourth, Johnson smacked a single through the left side to score pinch runner Kelly Grieve to propel the Americans to an 8-0 advantage. Johnson the tapped home for the American’s final run after she came around to score on a Taylor Hoagland single to make the final margin of 10-0.

Team USA will return to action Tuesday with a pair of matchups. The Americans will first take on the Dominican Republic at 2 p.m. ET and the host country Mexico at 9 p.m. ET.

Follow along with the UK softball program all season long at UKathletics.com