Kansas Downs Rockhurst, 3-1
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas softball kept its Fall win streak alive on Thursday night after defeating Rockhurst, 3-1. With one game left in their fall slate, the Jayhawks improved to 7-0 with the victory at Rock Chalk Park.
Three late runs scored by KU’s offense lifted the Jayhawks past the Hawks, but it was stellar defensive plays by sophomore Jessie Roane at third base that highlighted the evening. In the top of the fourth inning, Roane made a diving catch to end the frame. Her leaping catch retired the side and stranded a Rockhurst runner in scoring position, while preserving the shutout through the first four innings.
“Jessie (Roane) looked great tonight,” said head coach Megan Smith said of Roane’s defensive efforts. “She has being doing a great job at third base. She had some really big plays, tough plays, and I thought she made it look really easy.”
Roane ended the game after inducing a double play for the final two outs of the night. She stepped on the bag at third base and threw across the diamond for the final out at first.
Sophomore Daniella Chavez recorded the first hit of the night for KU, a single to right field. She ended the night with a team-best two hits.
The Jayhawks threatened to take the lead in the bottom of the third inning. With two outs, junior Taylor McElhaney reached base with a walk, followed by an error allowing senior Briana Evans to earn a base. Rockhurst halted the offensive momentum to end the frame without harm.
Kansas took the lead in the fourth after junior Jordan Zolman recorded a sacrifice fly to left field, which brought home the first KU run. Freshman Jennifer Marwitz extended KU’s lead by clearing the bases with a double. Marwitz’s two-RBI double increased the Jayhawks’ lead, 3-0.
In the top of the fifth inning, Rockhurst answered with a run to cut KU’s lead to two runs. After the lone run, junior hurler Sophia Templin shut down the Hawks’ offense and didn’t allow Rockhurst to mount a comeback.
Freshman Alexis Reid recorded the start in the circle and earned the win, while striking out one batter.
UP NEXT
The Jayhawks conclude their 2015 Fall Ball line up on Tuesday, Oct. 20 against Johnson County. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m., at Arrocha Ballpark at Rock Chalk Park.
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