University of Houston
18-17, 3-1
UConn
13-17, 1-2
Heebner Shuts Out UConn, 6-0
4/7/2017 12:00:00 AM | Softball
HOUSTON -- Behind a complete-game shutout from sophomore Savannah Heebner, the University of Houston Softball team downed UConn, 6-0, in the team's American Athletic Conference's home opener on Friday afternoon at Cougar Softball Stadium.
With the win, the Cougars improve to 18-17 overall and 3-1 in The American, while the Huskies fall to 13-17 and 1-2 in league action.
Heebner improved her record to 8-6 in the circle behind her third shutout of the season and sixth overall of her career. The native of Sedalia, Colo., scattered two hits and picked up two strikeouts while walking none.
Freshman Arielle James led all and tied her career high with three hits in a 3-for-4 showing with a double and one run scored. Sophomore Maya Thomas and Brooke Vannoy recorded two singles apiece, while Heebner and freshman Breezy Burton each hit safely.
KEY INNINGS
4th | Freshman Kelli Montgomery picked up her first career RBI on a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fourth inning to give Houston a 1-0 lead. After senior Shelby Miller walked to open the frame, heads-up base running saw her advance to third on a sacrifice bunt from Heebner to set things up for Montgomery.
5th | A three-run frame provided some cushion in the bottom of the fifth. Vannoy, James and Thomas all singled to load the bases with one out. Burton followed with a pinch-hit single to right field to plate Vannoy, before two throwing errors on the play allowed James and Thomas to come home for a 4-0 advantage.
6th | The Cougars tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the sixth. After freshman Sarah Queen drew a pinch-hit walk to open the frame, Queen and James followed with singles to load the bases, before a fielder's choice and Thomas bunt single pushed the score to 6-0.
HOUSTON NOTES
Top Offensive Players:
Arielle James | 3-4, 2B, R
Maya Thomas | 2-4, RBI, R
Brooke Vannoy | 2-3, 2 R
Savannah Heebner | 1-2
Breezy Burton | 1-1, RBI
Pitching Breakdown:
Savannah Heebner (W, 8-6) | 7.0 IP, CG, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
ON DECK
The Cougars will go for the series win against UConn in a 2 p.m. first pitch on Saturday. The game will air on The American Digital Network and be found by clicking here.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Softball on Twitter @UHCougarSB and "Like" /HoustonCougarSoftball on Facebook. Houston Softball is also on Instagram at UHCougarSB.
SHASTA PASS
The Houston Athletics Ticket Office is proud to offer the Shasta Pass for the 2016-17 athletic season. For only $80, Cougar fans can purchase one Shasta Pass, which allows season-long general admission entrance to all Houston Women's Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer and Softball home games.
The Shasta Pass offers Houston fans a substantial savings as single-game tickets start at $5 for all four sports. To purchase a Shasta Pass, CLICK HERE.
JOIN DIAMOND CLUB
Fans can help support the Houston Softball program by joining the Diamond Club. To find out more information about the Diamond Club, visit UHCougars.com or call Cougar Pride at (713) 743-GOUH. For more information, CLICK HERE.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Heebner, Savannah (8-6)
L: KOSHES, Katie (6-4)
Batting:
SH: BATES, Kelli 1
Base Running:
CS: NAKAMA, Ryne 1
HBP: NAKAMA, Ryne 1
Batting:
2B: James, Arielle 1
RBI: Thomas, Maya 1 ; Barker, Sarah 1 ; Burton, Brianna 1 ; Montgomery, Kelli 1
SH: Heebner, Savannah 1
SF: Montgomery, Kelli 1
Base Running:
RUNS: James, Arielle 1 ; Thomas, Maya 1 ; Miller, Shelby 1 ; Garcia, Mariah 1 ; Vannoy, Brooke 2
SB: Barker, Sarah 1
