University of Houston
19-17, 4-1
UConn
13-18, 1-3
Cougars Hold Off UConn to Clinch Series
4/8/2017 12:00:00 AM | Softball
HOUSTON -- The University of Houston Softball team held off a seventh-inning comeback by UConn for a 6-4 win to clinch the series, 2-0, on Saturday afternoon at Cougar Softball Stadium.
With the win, the Cougars improve to 19-17 overall and 4-1 in American Athletic Conference play, while the Huskies fall to 13-18 and 1-3 in league action.
Freshman Trystan Melancon improved to 9-6 in the circle behind a complete-game effort. The native of Tomball, Texas, issued seven hits and four runs (three earned), while striking out a career-high nine batters without issuing a free pass.
Freshman Kelli Montgomery recorded the first multi-hit performance of her career in a 3-for-4 effort with two RBI. Redshirt sophomore Sarah Barker and sophomores Maya Thomas and Brooke Vannoy all recorded a single and stolen base, respectfully. Sophomore Savannah Heebner also hit safely.
KEY INNINGS
5th | Houston broke through for two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. After Barker and senior Shelby Miller each reached via a free pass, Montgomery plated Barker on a two-out single in the infield, before a throwing error allowed Miller to come home for a 2-0 lead.
6th | UConn responded with two solo home runs in the top of the sixth to make it 2-2.
In the bottom frame, the Cougars responded with four runs to retake the lead. With one out, Vannoy reached on her second hit by pitch of the day. After moving into scoring position with a stolen base, Thomas brought her home with a RBI single to left field. Barker then singled through the left side of the infield and Miller walked to load the bases. Heebner delivered Thomas and Barker on a single in the infield, before Montgomery followed with a single to center field to plate Miller to take a 6-2 lead.
7th | The Huskies responded with two runs in the top of the seventh for the 6-4 final.
HOUSTON NOTES
Top Offensive Players:
Kelli Montgomery | 3-4, 2 RBI
Sarah Barker | 1-2, 2 R, 2 BB, SB
Savannah Heebner | 1-3, 2 RBI, BB
Maya Thomas | 1-4, RBI, R, SB
Brooke Vannoy | 1-1, R, SB, 2 HBP
Pitching Breakdown:
Trystan Melancon (W, 9-6) | 7.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 9 K
ON DECK
The Cougars will go for the series sweep against UConn in a noon first pitch on Sunday.
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: Melancon, Trystan (9-6)
L: STOCKLEY, Jill (4-8)
Batting:
2B: TOWNSEND, Taylor 1 ; STANLEY, Emma 1
HR: CUTLER, Carli 1 ; HERNANDEZ, Ally 1
RBI: CUTLER, Carli 1 ; STANLEY, Emma 1 ; HERNANDEZ, Ally 1
Base Running:
RUNS: CUTLER, Carli 1 ; NAKAMA, Ryne 1 ; STANLEY, Emma 1 ; HERNANDEZ, Ally 1
Batting:
RBI: Thomas, Maya 1 ; Heebner, Savannah 2 ; Montgomery, Kelli 2
SH: Garcia, Mariah 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Thomas, Maya 1 ; Barker, Sarah 2 ; Miller, Shelby 2 ; Vannoy, Brooke 1
SB: Thomas, Maya 1 ; Barker, Sarah 1 ; Vannoy, Brooke 1
HBP: Vannoy, Brooke 2
