Sports Briefs

UK Hoops assistant steps down

Vonn Read has decided to step down as assistant coach of the UK women’s basketball team, UK Athletics announced. He informed head coach Matthew Mitchell of his decision yesterday afternoon.

“My experience coaching at the University of Kentucky has been tremendous,” Read said in a news release yesterday. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with very talented head coaches and players. I really appreciate the opportunity Coach Mitchell gave me to be on his staff this past season. He is a great coach and I learned a lot from him this year. With Coach Mitchell at the helm, along with some very talented players, this program has a very bright future.”

Read joined UK as a member of former head coach Mickie DeMoss’s staff in 2005. The Milwaukee, Wisc., native spent three seasons on the Cats’ sidelines, where he was responsible for coaching post players and assisting in scouting and recruiting.

“We are sad to see coach Read go,” Mitchell said. “We appreciate his contributions to the Kentucky program over the last three years. We wish him well in his future endeavors.”

A national search to find Read’s replacement will begin immediately.

Baseball notches 20th straight non-conference win

Junior outfielder Collin Cowgill blasted his 13th home run of the season — part of a 2-for-3, four RBI night  — to lead the No. 17 UK baseball team over Cincinnati 9-4 yesterday.

The win marked the Cats’ 20th consecutive non-conference victory.

Playing in its first true non-conference road game of the season, UK (26-8, 7-8 Southeastern Conference) pounded out 10 hits against the Bearcats while sophomore starter Clint Tilford worked four innings, giving up just one earned runs on four hits. Senior reliever Aaron Lovett allowed three hits and one run in three innings pitched to pick up his second win of the season.

The Cats host Morehead State University today at Cliff Hagan Stadium at 6:30 p.m.