Jayhawks Upset #2 Longhorns, 1-0

April 23, 2006

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LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Kansas softball used solid defense and pitching to knock off #2 Texas, 1-0, and split the Big 12 Conference series Sunday afternoon at Arrocha Ballpark. With the victory, the Jayhawks improved to 27-21 overall and 6-7 in league play while the Longhorns, who had a seven-game win streak snapped, moved to 45-5 and 11-2.

The Jayhawks’ run came in the bottom of the first off a hit, two walks and a hit batter. With one out, Nicole Washburn walked and Jessica Moppin singled to left (KU’s only hit of the contest). Serena Settlemier walked to load the bases for Stevie Crisosto, who was hit by a pitch, allowing Washburn to score.

Texas loaded the bases in the top of the seventh but was unable to capitalize. Tina Boutelle reached on a fielder’s choice, MicKayla Padilla walked and Chez Sievers was whacked by a pitch to load the bases. With two outs, KU reliever Kassie Humphreys struck out Rachael Cook (looking) to end the game.

Texas’ Meagan Denny (16-4) struck out eight, gave up just one hit, walked three and hit two batters to take the complete-game loss. Settlemier (15-5) fanned four Longhorns, walked none and gave up one hit in the first five innings to get the win. Humphreys struck out four, walked one and allowed a hit in the final two innings to get her third save of the season.

Desiree Williams and Sievers each notched hits for the Longhorns. KU’s Moppin and Destiny Frankenstein each made dazzling plays in the middle infield to keep additional Texas runners off base. KU stranded five on the bases while UT left three in the loss.

KU’s win over Texas was the first since May 1, 2004, in Lawrence. The Jayhawks are 11-5 at home this season and 35-20-1 (.636) all-time at Arrocha Ballpark.

The Jayhawks begin a three-game road stint Wednesday at #15 Nebraska. First pitch at Bowlin Stadium is set for 5 p.m.

-KU-