STORRS, Conn. – The Creighton softball team suffered an 10-2 run-rule defeat to UConn in the series opener on Friday night at Burrill Family Field in Storrs, Conn.
The Bluejays fall to 8-5 in BIG EAST play and to 24-17 on the season with the loss, while UConn moved into second in the league standing, improving to 9-4 in league play and to 21-18 on the year with the win.
The Huskies jumped all over the Bluejays in the first inning taking a 5-0 lead against Bluejay starter Kenzie Schopfer, highlighted by a pair of run-scoring doubles from Rosie Garcia and Giuliana Abruscato, as well as an RBI single from Haley Coupal.
UConn pushed its lead to 8-0 in the second inning, scoring on a wild pitch and a two-run single to right center by Lauren Benson.
Creighton would not give up and placed their first dent on the scoreboard in the top half of the third inning. Sophomore Erika Perez led off the frame with a single to left center before freshman Ashten Pierson drew a walk to put runners on first and second for senior Cayla Nielsen. Nielsen would then drive in the Bluejays first run of the game, delivered an RBI double down the right field line to make the score 8-1. Senior Madeline Vejvoda then recorded an RBI sacrifice fly to right center to cut the deficit down to 8-2.
UConn, however, answered with two additional runs in the bottom half of the third on another pair of doubles by Abruscato and Grace Jenkins, while an RBI triple from Lexi Hastings gave the Huskies a 10-2 advantage.
Offensively the Bluejays recorded four hits, including a pair of singles from Perez. Nielsen also recorded the 35th double of her Bluejays career, moving into a tie for fifth with Abby Johnson and Jody Schwartz on Creighton’s career doubles record list.
Schopfer suffered the loss, allowing five runs on four hits in 0.2 innings, while Hallie Siems recorded the win for UConn striking out five in 4.0 innings of work.
Creighton and UConn continue their three-game series on Saturday, April 13 at 1 p.m. CT
Creighton Softball loses at UConn
