With a quick start, Cougar softball remains undefeated

188

Last year was a tough-fought battle as BYU barely sneaked past Utah Valley, but this year the Cougars pounded the Wolverines 6-1.

The Cougars remain undefeated this fall, after starting Tuesday night’s game with lots of energy. The team was able to score five runs in the first innings alone.

Katie Manuma hits a home run during last year's game againt Utah Valley. Photo by Chris Bunker
Katie Manuma hits a home run during last year’s game againt Utah Valley. (Photo by Chris Bunker)

“That was one of our goals for the game. We wanted to come out and score a lot of runs in that first inning,” said senior outfielder Carly Duckworth. “That first inning was a good kickstart to the game.”

In the first inning with the bases loaded, senior third baseman Katie Manuma blasted a single into right center. This allowed Duckworth and Lacy Hofstedt to score, which gave the Cougars the 2-0 lead. During that inning the rest of the Cougars’ runs were scored after the Wolverines’ pitcher walked several players for the Cougars.

Manuma has been playing great this fall and is expected to be a great leader for the team in this upcoming season.

“Katie’s a veteran. She’s been there and done that at all levels, and it’s expected of Katie,” said head coach Gordon Eakin. “She needs to continue to lead us at the plate.”

Following an outstanding first inning, the team struggled with its hitting after the Wolverines made a pitching change. The Cougars were only able to score one more run the rest of the game. Late in the second inning, with the bases loaded, Coco Taualii scored after the pitcher walked the batter, giving the Cougars the 6-0 lead.

Freshman pitcher Ashly Thompson started her first game for the Cougars, and she pitched a no-hitter until the fourth inning, when the Wolverines were finally able to get a hit.

“I can’t say that it wasn’t a little nerve wracking especially being a freshman,” Thompson said. “I just had to make sure that I stayed positive and kept my intensity up.”

The Wolverines’ only run for the game came after Brianna Gatlin hit a double in the top of the fifth inning.

The Cougars will begin to prepare for a double header as the team will host Salt Lake Community College and Southern Utah University on Oct. 19.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email