Softball starts fall season with win over Marshall

By Lindsay Travis

[email protected]

The UK softball team began their fall season with an 11-6 win over Marshall University Sunday at Dot Hicks Field in Huntington, WV.

The Cats had five runs in the first inning off two hits and two errors by Marshall.

“We hit for power, executed the short game and were aggressive on the bases,” UK head coach Rachel Lawson said. “I was also pleased that we had production from both the returners and the newcomers.”

Starting pitcher Lauren Cumbess allowed only one hit and one unearned run in three innings. She walked none and posted three strikeouts.

“On the mound, Cumbess showed a lot of poise and had command of all her pitches,” Lawson said. “The fan in me really enjoyed watching her think through the game and go to work against the batters.”

Cumbess was relieved by freshman Kaitlyn Henderson who pitched for two complete innings. She posted three strikeouts, but allowed three earned runs on one hit. Kelsey Nunley, also a freshman, finished the game by posting two strikeouts and allowing only two earned runs on four hits.

“It was also nice to get our newcomers on the mound,” Lawson said. “Both Nunley and Henderson showed that they have good out pitches and it was clear they were getting more comfortable on the mound with each batter.”

In the sixth inning the Cats would add two runs by junior Emily Jolly and freshman Christian Stokes. Freshman Sylver Samuel would steal third and come home later on to push the Cats ahead 7-4.

In the seventh inning the Cats would add four more runs. The bases were loaded with two outs when Stokes hit a double to left field that cleared the bases and gave UK a 10-4 lead.

Stokes would also score UK’s final run to seal the win, 11-4.

The softball team travels to Cleveland to compete in a round-robin event against Cleveland State and Pittsburgh twice. The tournament begins Saturday, Sept. 22.