LOS ANGELES – The IU Indy softball team fell in their season opener doubleheader at No. 5 UCLA. The Bruins defeated the Jags in back-to-back games in run rule fashion.
Kendal Calvert,
Morgan Gilbert and
Paige McPhearson each collected a hit in the losses.
In the opening game of the doubleheader, IU Indy fell to the Bruins, 8-0 in six innings. Both teams were held scoreless until Seneca Curo put the Bruins in the board with a two run homer in the bottom of the fourth which ultimately opened up UCLA's offense.
In the top of the first, Gilbert managed to reach first on a drop third strike. She then put herself in scoring position with a stolen base, setting the Jags up to strike first. UCLA's starting pitcher, Taylor Tinsley shut the threat down, forcing a groundout to end the inning.
IU Indy's defense was not backing down. UCLA's leadoff batter, Jessica Clements, was the first base runner for the Burins after earning the walk. Clements then tried to swipe second but IU Indy's
Reese Rosenbaum threw a rocket to second to throw out Clements and clear the bases. The Jags didn't allow another runner in the first.
Both teams were then held scoreless in the second and third innings. Gilbert led off the top of the fourth for IU Indy, knocking a single through the right side.
Paige McPhearson then followed with a fielder's choice on a sacrifice bunt which also advance Gilbert to second. With runners on first and second and no outs, the Jags could not push a run across as Tinsley collected three more strikeouts to end the inning.
The Bruins then opened the game up in the bottom of the fourth with a two run homerun from Curo. After that, UCLA's offense came alive. They totaled five runs in the fifth inning on five hits to extend their lead to 7-0. The Bruins closed out the game with one run in the bottom of the sixth to take the run rule win, 8-0.
Gilbert and McPhearson were the only two Jags to record a hit in game one.
Clara Phariss (L, 0-1) made her collegiate debut in the circle for the Jags, taking the loss after giving up eight runs on eight hits in 5.2 innings of work.
UCLA's Tinsley (W, 1-0) earned the win with 14 strikeouts and one hit in 5.0 innings.
After the game one loss, the Jags then fell to UCLA, 9-0 in five innings. This time the Bruins came out strong, scoring all nine runs in the first two innings. UCLA totaled five runs on six hits in the bottom of the first then added four runs on four hits in the second inning.
IU Indy's offense couldn't counter the Bruins recording just one hit and two base runners in game two.
Kendal Calvert recorded the sole hit in game two while
Molly Kable recorded a walk to reach base.
Alexa Holman (L, 0-1) took the loss in the circle for the Jags giving up five runs on six hits in 0.2 inning pitched,
Callie Dickerson finished out the game for IU Indy, giving up four runs on five hits in 3.1 innings.
Kaitlyn Terry (W, 1-0) earned the win for UCLA giving up just one hit with seven strikeouts in 5.0 innings.
IU Indy, now 0-2, will next play CSUN and Cal State Fullerton tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 8. Those games are set for 2:00 PM ET and 7:00 PM ET.
