Washington Defeats Its Second Top-15 Opponent, Beating Minnesota 7-2

Sunday, February 14

Las Vegas, NV

11:15 AM

University of Washington

4-0

Minnesota

3-2

Minnesota

Washington

Photo by: Washington Athletics

Washington Defeats Its Second Top-15 Opponent, Beating Minnesota 7-2

February 14, 2016 | Softball

Box Score

By: Washington Athletics

Site: Las Vegas, Nev. (Eller Media Stadium)
Event: UNLV Sportco Kick Off Classic (Day 3)
Scores: No. 20 Washington 7, No. 14 Minnesota 2

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- The No. 20-ranked University of Washington softball team used solid pitching and clutch hitting to claim another win against a top-15 ranked opponent, beating No. 14 Minnesota, 7-2, on Sunday (Feb. 14). The Huskies broke a tie in the bottom of the fourth to improve to 4-0 on the season.

"Minnesota is a tough team," said head coach Heather Tarr, "They're well coached and they have a great pitcher in Sara Groenewegen who was really tough for us to face here last year. Our ability to put runs on the board against a great pitcher speaks a lot about our maturity, our leadership and our potential this year."

Sophomore second baseman Taylor Van Zee and senior first baseman Courtney Gano headlined the Huskies' offensive efforts, going 2-for-4 from the plate with two runs batted in apiece. Van Zee drove in the game-winning runs in the bottom of the fourth while Gano's double scored a pair in the sixth. Junior designated player Casey Stangel registered a team-high three hits, while senior right fielder Dani Braun and sophomore left fielder Trysten Melhart tallied two hits in the game.

"We switched up the bottom of our lineup for this game and the way they produced is a great sign for our depth," said Tarr. "Putting Dani in there was a game changer for us today, she got on base and got hits with two strikes."

Freshman RHP Taran Alvelo improved to 2-0 on the season with a solid complete-game effort, striking out eight while allowing nine hits and just one walk. With the bases loaded and no outs in the top of the sixth, Alvelo recorded three straight strikeouts to preserve Washington's 4-2 lead.

"Our pitching and defense is just scratching the surface to what we're going to be able to do," said Tarr. "We're still getting a feel for both incoming pitchers, Madi and Taran, and understanding how to play behind them. We're excited to just keep growing."

The Huskies jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the first, getting back-to-back-to-back singles from Van Zee, Gano and Stangel. Minnesota came right back in the top of the second to score their first and only runs of the game, hitting a two-run home run after opening the frame with a leadoff single.

Washington tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the second after Braun drew a one-out walk and advanced to third base on a throwing error by the catcher. Melhart then delivered her first double of the season to even the contest.

The Dawgs reclaimed the lead in the fourth after freshman Tannon Snow drew a leadoff walk and Braun doubled. With runners at second and third with two outs, Van Zee singled to score the pair and give the Huskies a 4-2 lead.

Minnesota attempted a comeback in the sixth, loading the bases with no outs. The Gophers drew a leadoff walk and hit back-to-back singles, but Alvelo zoned in, getting the next two batters swinging and the final out looking.

Using four hits, including back-to-back singles to open the frame, Washington scored three insurance runs in the sixth. After the runner's advanced off a groundout, Gano delivered a two-RBI double to put the Huskies on top, 6-2. Pinch runner Krystal Aubert scored off a throwing error after Stangel singled for the Huskies' seventh run of the game.

For the fifth time in the game, Minnesota opened the seventh with a hit, but Alvelo settled in again, inducing a pair of ground outs and a line out to end the game.

The Huskies will close out play at the UNLV Sportco Kick Off Classic tomorrow (Monday, Feb. 15), squaring off against UNLV at 10 a.m.