By Steve Lansdale
AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas softball team led off the 2017 season by splitting a pair of opening-day matches. The Longhorns won their 21st consecutive season opener, 8-0, over Colorado State before falling, 5-2, to No. 16/14 Minnesota Friday at Red & Charline McCombs Field.
Starting pitcher Paige von Sprecken allowed just two hits and struck out six over four innings against CSU to pick up the Longhorns’ first win of the season before [s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]giving way to Kristen Clark, who allowed a hit and struck out a pair in one inning of relief.
Freshman outfielder Kaitlyn Washington announced her arrival in the fourth inning of the opener, drilling a two-run home run in the first at-bat of her college career. Senior third baseman Celina Felix and senior Tiarra Davis each drove in a pair of runs — Felix on a two-run single in the first inning, and Davis on a pair of singles.
Erica Wright got the start against the Golden Gophers, surrendering just two hits in three innings, but allowing three runs in the first inning, two of which were earned. Brooke Bolinger relieved Wright, allowing four hits and a pair of runs in four innings of relief.
The Texas offense mustered just four hits over seven innings against Minnesota pitcher Sara Groenewegen, who went the distance for the Golden Gophers. Center fielder Stephanie Wong, third baseman Devon Tunning, Davis and catcher Taylor Ellsworth each had one hit — none for extra bases.
The Longhorns don’t have long to dwell on the loss to Minnesota. The same two teams will meet again at 4 p.m. Saturday, after which Texas will face the Maryland Terrapins at 6:30. Both games will be broadcast on the Longhorn Network.
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