Huskies Blank Bellevue In Opening Game Of Fall Classic
October 10, 2015 | Softball
Site: Seattle, Wash. (Husky Softball Stadium)
Event: Husky Fall Classic (Day 1)
Score: Washington 9, Bellevue College 0
Next UW Event: Saturday, Oct. 10 -- vs. Western at 3 p.m. and Wenatchee at 5 p.m.
SEATTLE -- The University of Washington softball team recorded 11 hits and pitchers Casey Stangel and Taran Alvelo combined for a perfect game to defeat Bellevue College, 9-0, in their opening game of the 2015 Husky Fall Classic on Friday night at Husky Softball Stadium.
The Fall Classic provides Washington softball fans their first opportunity to view the 2016 Husky lineup, which features seven freshmen and a transfer. These newcomers join a UW contingent that posted one of the best power-hitting seasons in program history last season.
Washington returns all but four members of its 2015 squad. Among those returning are four All-Pacific Region players - junior Ali Aguilar, senior Courtney Gano, sophomore Taylor Van Zee and Stangel.
The Purple and Gold's 11-hit attack backstopped starting pitcher Stangel, who tossed five innings and earned the win. She was relieved by Alvelo in the sixth, who struck out all six batters she faced.
Sophomore Julia DePonte led the offensive hit parade in the nightcap, launching a two-run homer in the second inning and recording four RBI on the night. Freshman Morganne Flores batted 3-for-3, all singles, while sophomore's Van Zee and Trysten Melhart also registered a pair of hits.
The Huskies used a big fourth inning to separate themselves from the Bulldogs. Van Zee singled to open the frame and Stangel drew a walk to put a pair on. Melhart then singled to load the bases and a pair of back-to-back sac flies by Gano and DePonte plated the Huskies' third and fourth runs of the game. After Melhart stole second, senior Dani Braun and freshman Tannon Snow ripped back-to-back singles to give the Dawgs a 6-0 edge.
Washington took advantage of Bellevue miscues to tack on three more in the fifth. Senior Kimberlee Souza reached on a fielding error and a single by Van Zee and a walk issued to Melhart loaded the bases. After two runs scored off an error, DePonte drove home her fourth RBI of the night to put the Huskies on top, 9-0.
Alvelo made her debut at Husky Softball Stadium in the sixth, recording six straight strikeouts to end the game and give Washington their fourth victory of the fall season.
The Huskies continue the Fall Classic tomorrow (Oct. 10) against Western at 4 p.m. followed by Wenatchee at 6 p.m.
