Softball Shutsout #24 Washington-St. Louis, 8-0
February 23, 2008

The University of Texas at Tyler softball team used a four-run first inning to propel them to a 8-0 victory over #24 Washington-St. Louis in the opening game of the 2008 Easton Classic at the UT Tyler Ballpark.

Leadoff hitter Lindsey Peters singled to center field and advanced to second when Julie Smith walked.  Peters and Smith advanced on a wild pitch by Washington starter Kaylyn Eash and Kate Bell singled to load the bases for the Patriots (3-0).

Next up, Megan Richardson blasted the 2-2 pitch to center field for a triple and three RBIs.

“This was a great win for our program against a quality team,” said UT Tyler head coach Mike Reed.  “Any time you can beat a ranked team, you feel like you have taken your program to a new level.”

Last season, the Bears (0-1) advanced to the NCAA Division III Championship game, falling to Linfield, 10-2, in the national championship.

The Patriots added another run in their half of the third on an Amanda Busby double to right field that stored Brittanni Hanna.

Carly Collins added another run for the Patriots in the fourth on a sacrifice fly to center field that scored Kate Lightfield.

A Sara DeStefano homer in the bottom of the fifth scored Courtney Carrizales and gave the Patriots the run-rule victory.

In the circle, Kelsey Harrington struck out seven and allowed just four Washington-St. Louis hits to earn her second win of the season.  Eash took the loss for the Bears.

UT Tyler continues play Saturday with a 4 p.m. game against Trinity (Tex.).  Sunday, The Patriots play Maryville at 8 a.m. and Webster at 2 p.m.

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