Kansas Drops Series Opener to No. 13 Arizona, 2-0

Friday, April 11

Lawrence, Kan.

5 p.m. CT

University of Kansas

17-18, 0

Arizona (#13)

34-7, 0

Arizona

Kansas

Kansas Drops Series Opener to No. 13 Arizona, 2-0

4/11/2025 7:23:00 PM | Softball

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LAWRENCE, Kan. – Senior Olivia Bruno tossed a complete game, allowing just two runs, but the Kansas Jayhawks fell to No. 13 Arizona, 2-0, Friday evening at Arrocha Ballpark in the first game of a three-game series.

Arizona improved to 34-7 on the season and 11-5 in Big 12 play, while Kansas dropped to 17-18 overall and 4-9 in conference action.

Bruno got the start in the circle for the Jayhawks and delivered a strong performance. She didn't allow a hit in the opening inning and recorded one strikeout. The Jayhawks threatened early with a leadoff double down the left-field line from Presley Limbaugh—her ninth of the season—but the Arizona defense tightened up to strand Limbaugh and end the inning.

"Olivia has competed so well for us in the circle all year. Her ability to change speeds, keep hitters off balance, and her presence out there have been phenomenal. When you hold a team like Arizona to two runs, that's a performance that gives us a chance to win," said head Coach Jennifer McFalls I can't ask for much more from her. We need to take accountability on offense, execute better in key moments, and find ways to get some runs for our pitchers."

Bruno continued her strong start, pitching a second consecutive hitless inning while notching her second strikeout of the contest. Junior Campbell Bagshaw provided Kansas' lone hit in the second inning with a single to center.

Arizona broke the scoreless tie in the top of the third inning with a solo home run to center field. That was the only run Kansas allowed in the frame, as Bruno responded by securing her third strikeout of the game.

The Jayhawks looked to answer in the bottom of the third. Limbaugh roped another double deep into left field, and a Wildcats infield error gave Kansas runners on first and third. However, Arizona escaped the jam, stranding both runners to keep its 1-0 lead intact.

Kansas' defense remained solid, holding Arizona scoreless in the fourth for the third time in the game. However, the Wildcats added an insurance run in the top of the fifth, extending their lead to 2-0.

That score held until the bottom of the seventh, when the Jayhawks made one last push. Sophomore Anna Soles drew a walk, followed by a single up the middle from sophomore September Flanagan, putting the game-tying runners on base. However, Kansas couldn't complete the late-game comeback and fell 2-0 in the series opener.

Bruno took the loss, falling to 3-2 on the season despite a strong seven-inning performance. The senior from Topeka allowed seven hits and four walks while striking out four. Her season ERA now stands at an impressive 1.83.

Arizona's Miranda Stoddard tossed six shutout innings to improve to 9-0 on the season.

Pitchers of Record:
Win: Miranda Stoddard (9-0)
Line: 6.0 IP, 0 R, 4 H, 2 BB, 3 SO
Save: Devyn Netz (1)
Line: 1.0 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 3 SO
Loss: Olivia Bruno (3-2)
Line: 7.0 IP, 2 R, 7 H, 4 BB, 4 SO

Up Next
The Kansas softball team will continue its home series against Arizona on Saturday, April 12, at 2 p.m. CT. Fans will be able to follow along with live stats or follow along for live updates on the Kansas Softball X (Twitter) account.

Notables

Limbaugh recorded two doubles in the contest for the first time this season and now leads the team with 10 doubles.
Bruno's four strikeouts bring her season total to 36, the most on the team.
Bruno made her 10th appearance of the season and now leads the team with four complete games.
The Kansas defense held Arizona to two runs, matching the Wildcats' lowest-scoring game of the season.