Utah Softball Downed by No. 1 Washington

Saturday, March 20

Fullerton, Calif.

1:30 PM

University of Utah

#1 Washington

3/20/2010 12:00 AM | Softball

March 20, 2010

Box Score

FULLERTON, Calif. - Kara Foster went 2-for-3 at the plate with a pair of singles but the University of Utah softball team was defeated by No. 1 Washington, 8-0 in six innings, Saturday during the third day of the Judi Garman Classic at Anderson Family Field.

Utah (11-13) was led by Foster offensively, who slapped a single through the left side of the Huskie defense in the fourth inning to help start a Utah scoring threat. The senior center fielder from Derby, Kan., then contributed to another Ute scoring threat in the sixth inning with a single to right-center field.

Four other Utes, Brooke Olson, Kelsi Hoopiiaina, Tia Palauni and Tori Medina earned hits off Washington pitcher Danielle Lawrie, the reigning national player of the year.

Utah managed to put together a pair of scoring threats, but unfortunately, was not able to push a run across the plate.

In the fourth inning, the Utes started with two consecutive singles. Hoopiiaina hit a single over the Huskie third baseman then Foster laced a single through the left side of Washington's defensive alignment. Whitney Holm then stepped to the plate at lined a hard shot, unfortunately it was right at the Huskie shortstop, who then tagged Hoopiiaina for the unassisted double play.

The Utes got their first three hitters on base to start their sixth inning. Olson hit a single, Hoopiiaina reached via an error by the UW shortstop and Foster singled to right-center field. Unfortunately, Utah was unable to capitalize on the opportunity.

Ashley Smuda started in the circle for the Utes, going 5.1 innings while allowing six earned runs on nine hits. The senior from Scottsdale, Ariz., did not give up a walk.

Top-ranked Washington (23-5) scored five runs through the first innings then put the run rule into effect with a three-run sixth. The Huskies' designated player Taylor Smith was 3-for-3 on the day with five RBI and a pair of two-run home runs.

The Utes will conclude the Judi Garman Classic against San Jose State tomorrow at 3:45 p.m. PT.