For much of the latter part of the Huskies’ schedule, it was clear that they had some work to do, despite the amount talent that they possess on the roster. Swept against Oregon and UCLA, they weren’t quite elite, but still had plenty of talent. This team has the capacity to go on a run if they got hot, as evidenced by the 20 game winning streak they went on earlier in the year. All they had to do was start off on the right foot against American Athletic Conference champion USF. Despite 7 hits, the Huskies would
fall just short, losing 3-1.
A solo home run by catcher Jadyn Glab would start the scoring in the bottom of the second inning. The Bulls would respond in kind at the top of the third frame with an RBI single from Alexis Galligani. From there, both sides would fail to produce any scoring until the top of the 7th. That’s not for lack of trying on the Huskies’ part, however, as they had 3 hits in the 4th, and a hit each in the 5th and 6th innings. The Dawgs did get some support in the form of a 2 hit game from Ally Hetzel, who went 2-3. Ava Carroll also went 2-3, continuing her stellar season. But when it mattered most, the Dawgs unfortunately couldn’t capitalize on their individual performances and bring their baserunners home, turning the game into a pitcher’s duel.
It might be obvious to say, but in a pitcher’s duel, you can’t be the one to blink first, and unfortunately the Huskies blinked, giving up 2 runs in the top of the 7th, and ultimately failing to respond, going 3 up and 3 down in the bottom of the frame.
It’s a very frustrating way to lose, especially after the offensive effort wasn’t rewarded, and it in my opinion necessitates a conversation about whether or not this team needs to bolster their pitching staff, or their position players, or both. In any case, the fanbase can’t get ahead of themselves quite yet. The Huskies still have more softball to play, as they take on the Fordham Rams tomorrow at 1:30 PM.
