After starting the Winthrop Invitational with a 3-1 record through the first two days, No. 16 UK looked to close out Sunday’s matchup against event host, the Winthrop Eagles, with a strong finish.

After starting off slow in the first inning, UK executed well in the next three innings to defeat Winthrop 8-0 in just five innings.

The game started with a scare in the top of the first, as Winthrop put itself in scoring position with two players on base and K.J. Uyeno at bat with two outs. Uyeno stepped up and smacked a ball to the fence, and it looked to be a home run to put UK in an early deficit.

Senior outfielder for UK Sylver Samuel wanted no part of that, and robbed the Eagles of the home run by reaching up over the fence and snagging the catch. This miraculous grab ended what would have been a tough start for the Wildcats. 

UK star pitcher Kelsey Nunley dominated the Eagles throughout the rest of the game, allowing just two hits, two walks, no runs, and managed five strikeouts on the day. This adds yet another victory to Nunley’s win total for the year, as her record stands at 7-1 on the year in eight appearances at the plate. 

The UK offense also fired on all cylinders, led by shortstop Christian Stokes, who went two for two with two doubles and two runs.

Leadoff batter Maisie Steed had an impressive game as well, as she hit a home run in the fourth, grabbed two runs, and brought home three RBI.

Though Stokes and Steed finished with strong games, it was a surprisingly disappointing performance for freshman second basemen Katie Reed. After beginning the season on an 18 game hitting streak, Reed finished her third game in a row without a hit. Luckily, the rest of the batters pulled through, and Reed can look forward to shaking her slump in the next game.

With the victory, UK softball moves to 18-3 on the year, where they will look ahead to their home opener against Indiana on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.