Following a net-positive performance in the Kajikawa Classic, the University of Utah softball team (4-7, 0-0 Big 12) traveled west to Fresno, California for the Fresno State Kickoff Classic. Over the four day span, the Utes played in six total matches, as they looked to continue their momentum.
Friday
On Friday afternoon, the Utes headed to battle with the University of California Santa Barbra Gauchos. The game started with strong defensive performances, with a total of zero runs and three hits in the first three innings.
After the Gauchos stranded a runner in the top of the fourth, the Utes opened the scoring in the bottom-half of the frame. An RBI double from Hailey Deter drove in two runs and an RBI single from Shelbi Ortiz gave Utah the three-run lead.
UCSB found their spark in the sixth, with an RBI single scoring their first run of the game. The Gaucho offense continued to produce in the seventh inning, scoring four runs to take the five-to-three lead. The Utes responded well, re-tying the match in the bottom of the seventh with RBIs from Jolie Mayfield and Reese Lee.
With the game forced into extra innings, the teams continued to fight. The Gauchos scored in the top of the eighth, regaining the lead. This time, the Utes were unable to fight back, dropping the match 6-5.
Later that day, the Utes took on Loyola Marymount for their second match of the day. The Utes stole the show in the match, with both their offense and defense dominating the Lions. Tacking on two runs in the third inning, the Utes opened the scoring. Utah continued to produce, earning five runs in the fifth inning alone.
A two-run RBI single for Kaylah Nelsen capped off the scoring, bringing the Utes’ advantage to nine runs. Utah’s Brooklyn Carreon pitched a complete game, only walking two batters and striking out two more. The Utes held the Lions scoreless, earned a total 15 hits, and took the victory, 9-0.
Saturday
Utah opened Saturday with their second match against the LMU Lions. Despite the Utes’ vast success against the Lions the day prior, their luck did not continue into Saturday’s match. Utah put up a quick two runs in the first inning, taking the early lead. The Lions responded quickly, though, tying the Utes in the second inning.
A scoreless deadlock carried the match into the sixth inning with both teams still drawn at two. In the top of the frame, the Lions had no mercy, scoring an insurmountable seven runs. The Utes responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the sixth, scored on a sacrifice-fly from Shonty Passi. LMU tacked on three more runs in the seventh, sealing their victory, 12-3.
Sunday
Looking to bounce back, Utah faced off against UCSB for the second time in the event on Sunday afternoon. The Gauchos earned two runs in the first two innings, which the Utes were quick to match, scoring two of their own in the bottom of the second.
The evenly-matched teams continued to battle until the seventh inning. The Utes took a brief one-run lead in the fourth inning, but the Gauchos quickly tied the game again in the fifth. With both teams finding themselves drawn after seven, extra innings were needed for the second time in this event.
UCSB blasted off to a fiery start in extras, scoring four runs and taking the 7-3 lead. Down to their final three outs, the Utes looked to rally. An RBI single for Lee brought the Utes within three and Ortiz drew a bases-loaded walk to bring in another run. Despite Utah’s late efforts, they were unable to catch up, ultimately losing the game, 5-7.
On Sunday evening, Utah faced off against the host Fresno State Bulldogs for the first time in the event. The Utes opened the scoring in the top of the first, with Kennedy Proctor reaching home on an erroneous throw. The Bulldogs matched Utah’s offense, though, scoring a run of their own in the bottom of the first.
The Utes had a productive second inning, with a three-run RBI for Nelsen giving the Utes the 4-1 lead. Their success continued into the bottom-half of the frame, with Fresno State going three-up, three-down.
The Bulldogs eventually matched the Utah lead, though, scoring three runs in the fourth inning. Utah regained the lead, with an RBI single from Hailee White. Fresno State, with only two outs left, re-tied the match with an RBI double in the seventh frame. With another RBI double in the eighth, the Bulldogs handed the Utes their third-straight loss, 5-6.
Monday
The Utes looked to close out the tournament on a high note in their President’s Day match-up with Fresno State. Utah found themselves with a hot start, scoring twice in the opening inning.
A three-run home run for the Bulldogs gave Fresno State the 3-2 lead in the third inning. From there, strong defensive performances from both teams led to three consecutive scoreless innings. The Utes, with their backs against the wall, were able to respond thanks to a sacrifice-fly into foul territory from Lee.
With the sixth game of the event going into extra innings, Utah went hitless in the top of the eighth. From there, a sacrifice fly from the Bulldogs gave Fresno State the walkoff victory, 4-3.
Up Next
Leaving the Fresno State Kickoff Classic on a four-game losing streak, Utah will look to bounce back in the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic. The event will start on Friday with a match-up against Utah’s former Pac-12 rival, the Oregon Ducks. The game is scheduled to start at 11:30 a.m. and will be broadcast via FloCollege.
