Kentucky softball (21-12) defeated in-state opponent Bellarmine (10-20) 3-1 in a bounce-back performance.
The win was an important win for the Wildcats after being swept by Texas A&M, giving the team a chance to regroup and gain momentum before heading back into tough SEC competition.
Kentucky has been dominant in non-conference play this season, holding a strong 20-4 record against teams outside the SEC. However, conference play has been much more challenging, with the Wildcats sitting at just 1-8 against SEC opponents and currently on a six-game losing streak in SEC play.
“You want to take the momentum from games like this, like Kenzie, especially in the last inning, striking out the side in the last inning,” head coach Rachael Lawson said. “Just having more competitive at-bats, at-bats like Reagan’s, hopefully she’ll be able to take that momentum into the games.”
Kentucky’s pitchers were great in the circle and really took control of the game, limiting Bellarmine to just one run.
The Wildcats didn’t need much offensively, as one inning made all the difference. Three of Kentucky’s four hits came in the second inning, and all three runs came off the bat of Reaghan Oney. Making her first start of the season, Oney delivered a big moment with a three-run home run to left field.
Oney talked about having to step up since left fielder Maddy Anson got injured.
“I haven’t started all season, but the left fielder got hurt, and I had to step up,” Oney said.
Her performance not only provided the game’s key offensive moment but also showed her readiness to contribute when her name got called.
Oney also talked about how she can use her first home run of the season for momentum and gaining confidence going back to SEC play.
“That really built my confidence to play Georgia this weekend, and we still have Louisville tomorrow, which is a big game,” Oney said.
Since Kentucky only put up three runs, it needed its pitching to be sharp, and it delivered. Abby Hammond got the start and was solid, pitching 4.1 innings while allowing just three hits and one earned run. She kept Bellarmine from building any consistent offense and gave Kentucky a strong start.
McKenzie Oslanzi came into relief in the fifth inning and was dominant. She pitched 2.2 perfect innings, allowing no hits or runs while striking out four hitters. Her performance closed the door, striking out the side in the seventh inning.
Even with the offense having a quiet day overall, Lawson remains confident in her pitching staff’s ability to keep the team competitive in tight games.
“Well, it gives me a lot of confidence,” Lawson said. “I always have confidence with who we have in the circle. So in tight games, they’ll be able to keep us in the game.”
Kentucky will look to carry this momentum forward as it returns to SEC play against Georgia at home, hoping this win can spark a turnaround.