Kansas Falls Short Against Utah, 2-1

Saturday, March 21

Lawrence, Kan.

2 p.m. CT

University of Kansas

Utah

Kansas Falls Short Against Utah, 2-1

3/21/2026 5:12:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Conference Stats 3.21 Season Stats 3.21

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas dropped its first conference game against Utah, falling 2-1 to the Utes on Saturday afternoon. The Jayhawks were held to just one run despite a strong defensive effort behind Kaelee Washington, snapping their undefeated streak at home and moving to 22-9 overall and 3-2 in Big 12 play.

"We didn't have our best day offensively, but I thought we competed and stayed in it," head coach Jennifer McFalls said. "This group isn't going to hang its head. We've been here before, and we'll be ready to come back tomorrow and put ourselves in a position to win the series."

How it Happened | vs. Utah

Utah struck first, capitalizing on early traffic and a passed ball to take a 1-0 lead. Kansas went down in order in the bottom half as the slow start at the plate carried over early.
The Jayhawk defense settled in behind Kaelee Washington, who retired the side in order to keep it a one-run game. Kansas picked up a two-out double from Campbell Bagshaw but could not convert, leaving the tying run stranded.
Washington worked around a hit-by-pitch in the third inning, recording a strikeout looking to keep Utah off the board. Kansas again threatened with a leadoff walk and a sacrifice bunt, but back-to-back strikeouts ended the opportunity.
The defense came up big in the top half of the fourth, turning a double play to erase a Utah baserunner and maintain the one-run deficit.
Kansas broke through in the bottom half as Anna Soles launched a solo home run to right field, her seventh of the season, to tie the game at 1-1.
Washington continued to deal, retiring Utah in order for the third straight scoreless inning as the defense stayed locked in. The Jayhawks went down quietly in the bottom half, unable to build off the momentum.
In the sixth inning, Utah regained the lead after a leadoff walk and a single put runners in scoring position, eventually bringing a run across on a fielder's choice to make it 2-1.
In the last inning Washington closed the door with a scoreless frame, giving Kansas one last chance at the plate. The Jayhawks put two runners on with two outs, but a strikeout looking ended the game, leaving the tying and go-ahead runs on base.

PITCHERS OF RECORD
Win: Shelbee Jones (8-3)
Final line: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 SO
Loss: Kaelee Washington (6-3)
Final line: 7.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 SO