IU Drops First Two Games of Kajikawa Classic

Friday, February 12

Tempe, Ariz.

2:00 PM

Indiana University

0-1

University of Nevada

2-0

Nevada

Indiana

2/12/2016 10:03:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

TEMPE, Ariz. – The Indiana Softball team dropped both games of the season-opening Kajikawa Classic on Friday, falling to Nevada, 5-3, and Fresno State, 7-0.

In game one, Nevada jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning after Megan Sweet hit a one-out double to score Kwynn Warner. After that, freshman pitcher Tara Trainer (0-1) settled in as she allowed just three Nevada runners to reach base heading into the fifth inning. Trainer finished the game with seven strikeouts and the Indiana pitching staff combined for 12 total.

However, the Wolf Pack were able to add on to the lead in the fifth as four consecutive walks brought in Jennifer Purcell to make it 2-0. One batter later, Sweet struck again as she brought in a pair of runs on a single off sophomore pitcher Emily Kirk. The final Nevada run of the game was brought it by Jasmine Jenkins as her fielder's choice pushed the lead to 5-0.

The Hoosiers got to work in the bottom of the frame as sophomore Rachel O'Malley led off with a walk. Three batters later, junior Erin Lehman registered her second career home run on a shot to centerfield to bring in O'Malley and cut the deficit to 5-2. The rally continued as senior Michelle Huber doubled to left and senior Kelsey Dotson earned a walk, setting the stage for senior Shannon Cawley, who rocketed a single up the middle to score Huber.

Indiana looked to cut further into the lead in the sixth inning after loading the bases with two away, but Nevada pitcher Chase Redington struck Huber out swinging on her way to picking up the save.

In the second game of the day, Fresno State jumped to a 4-0 lead in the second inning as they knocked six hits in the frame. After Paige Gumz doubled to bring in the first run of the game, Dominique Jackson brought her in on a single to right. Whitney Smith then homered to further extend the Bulldog advantage.

Indiana saw hits from sophomore Rebecca Blitz, Cawley, junior CaraMia Tsirigos and O'Malley, but the Hoosiers were unable to cross the plate.

Fresno State extended its lead in the sixth off an RBI single by Morgan Howe and a two-run home run by Alyssa Villalpando.

Josie Wood (0-1) picked up the loss in her first career start, giving up four runs and striking out two in 4.0 innings of work.

The Hoosiers return to action tomorrow in day two of the Kajikawa Classic. IU will face Utah State and Georgia State at the Tempe Sports Complex.