+
PAGE 8
MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
+
SOFTBALL
AMIE JUST/KANSAN
Chanin Naudin bats during a game in the Texas Tech series April 17-19. The Jayhawks lost the series to Texas over the weekend, but broke Texas' winning streak by winning one game in the series.
Texas wins series against Kansas
AMIE JUST sports@kansan.com
For the second weekend in a row, Kansas softball had a hard game on the road. The Jayhawks avoided the sweep, losing the series 2-1. With the win in the second game of the series, Kansas put a halt on its losing streak. Until its win on Saturday, Kansas had lost 10 of its last 11 matchups, losing seven games in a row.
"We've had a bad streak here and it's because we haven't been able to put it all together," said coach Megan Smith. "We've had great pitching performances from [Alicia] Pille and [Kelsey] Kessler, but haven't hit, or good hitting performances and haven't pitched as well."
In the first game in the series at Texas, Kansas lost 0-2. In the top of the fifth inning, Kansas had a chance to score with freshman infielder Taylor McElhaney reaching first base on a throwing error. That advanced freshman outfielder Taylor Dodson to second base and junior infielder Chanin Naudin to third base.
On the last play of the top of the fifth inning, senior infielder Ashley Newman reached first base with all runners advancing, where Naudin was out at home.
"Our offense was a little sluggish," Smith said. "We
were making good decisions and swinging at good pitches, but not putting good swings on those pitches. Chanin came through for us with a big hit and sparked something. We've got to do a better job of putting quality swings on pitches."
In the second game of the series, Kansas came out swinging and won 5-2. Its win against Texas broke the Longhorns' 14-game win streak against Kansas. It was also the team's first win in Austin, Texas, since 2007.
"Our offense was a little stuggish. We were making good decisions and swinging at good pitches ..."
"The offense did a good job following the game plan and adjusting after last night," Smith said. "Today they were locked in offensively and came out hot early."
MEGAN SMITH Softball coach
Kansas had five of its 10 hits in the first two innings. In the second inning, Dodson hit her first career home run, increasing Kansas' lead 3-0.
"I'm really proud of Taylor [Dodson]," Smith said. "She
struggled a little this year. She has worked hard in practice and won her starting spot back. It's nice to see her have that success in a live at-bat because she has been working so hard at practice."
In the final game of the series, Kansas was run-ruled, losing to Texas 0-8 in five innings.
Kansas only recorded two hits in the game and had three runners walked. Newman and sophomore infielder Chaley Brickey had Kansas' hits. Freshman utility Lily Behrmann and McElhaney were walked, while Naudin reached first base after being hit by a pitch.
The game started out slow, with Texas scoring one run in the first inning. The fifth inning was where the bats lived up for Texas. The Longhorns scored the rest of their seven runs in the fifth inning.
Next up for Kansas is its final series of the regular season. Kansas takes on Iowa State at Arrocha Ballpark May 9 through 11. First pitch against the Cyclones is at 5 p.m. on May 9.
Edited Chelsea Mies
A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1880
785-843-4266
The 14th Oldest Jewelry Store in the Country
RINGS, WATCHES, CRYSTALS
DIAMONDS, LOOSE & MOUNTED
WEDDING BANDS, JEWELRY, IN
HOUSE WATCH AND CLOCK REPAIR,
FINANCING, SPEED, SERVICE &
CUSTOM DESIGN
www.marksjewelers.net
NATIONAL
Kentucky Derby Photo Gallerv
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Victor Espinoza pours water on California Chrome after riding to a victory during the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday in Louisville, Ky.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Horses make their way around turn one during the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday in Louisville, Ky.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Victor Espinoza rides California Chrome around turn four to a victory during the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday in Louisville, Ky.
+