University of Houston Athletics
Cougar Softball Hosts Houston Hilton Plaza Invitational
2/17/2012 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 17, 2012
| Houston Hilton Plaza Invitational Cougar Softball Stadium | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb. 18, Saturday | vs. ULM - 5 p.m. vs. McNeese State - 7 p.m. | ||
| Feb. 19, Sunday | vs. ULM - 1 p.m. vs. McNeese State - 3 p.m. | GameTracker | UHCougars.com |
| Season Stats | UHCougars.com | ||
| Social Media |   | ||
HOUSTON - The No. 17 University of Houston Cougar softball team hosts the Houston Hilton Plaza Invitational Feb. 18-19 at Cougar Softball Stadium.
Facing inclement weather for the second straight week, Saturday's games have been delayed two hours from the original schedule. Houston now plays ULM at 5 p.m. and McNeese State at 7 p.m.
Houston carries a 5-0 record into this weekend' tournament after sweeping the competition last weekend as they hosted the Houston Hilton Plaza Classic including a win over No. 17 Oklahoma State.
With a balanced offensive attack and solid pitching, Houston outscored their opponents 37-9 last weekend. Sophomore Diedre Outon was named the Conference USA Pitcher of the Week after posting a 2-0 record with a 0.81 ERA and getting the win over the Cowgirls.
Houston also totaled 16 stolen bases over the weekend, nearly half of their season total in 2011. Leadoff hitter Ashleigh Jones paces the team with four steals and is tied for the team lead with six runs.
Two freshman lead the team in batting as Sydney Gerbracht came off the bench to hit 5-9 for a .556 batting average with a home run. Jamie Edwards was 6-for-11 for a .545 average with six RBIs. Overall,
SCOUTING REPORT
McNeese State (4-3)
The Cowgirls knocked No. 5/6 Arizona State last weekend at the Kajikawa Classic in Tempe, Ariz. Tiffany Denham went the distance without allowing an earned run as she struck out four batters in the win. Megan Bond pitched eight innings the previous game as McNeese State knocked off another PAC-12 opponent in Oregon State.
The Cougars carry an eight-game winning streak over the Cowgirls and have posted a 10-1 record all time against McNeese State.
Louisiana-Monroe (3-4)
The Warhawks(3-2) finished second in their 24th annual ULM Mardi Gras Classic during opening weekend by claiming run-rule wins over Northwestern State 10-0 and Grambling State 12-3. They also beat SIU-Edwardsville in nine innings 7-6, and their only two losses coming against IUPUI and tournament champions Southeast Missouri State. ULM scored a combined 36 runs over 31 innings played.
Houston won both games against the ULM Warhawks last year in shutout fashion at the Getterman/STI Classic hosted by Baylor. Houston holds the 3-1 all-time series lead.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Saturday, Feb. 17
vs. ULM - 5 p.m.
vs. McNeese State - 7 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 18
vs. ULM - 1 p.m.
vs. McNeese State - 3 p.m.
