University of Houston
20-17, 5-1
UConn
13-19, 1-4
Cougars Throttle UConn to Sweep Series
4/9/2017 12:00:00 AM | Softball
HOUSTON -- The University of Houston Softball team set the American Athletic Conference record with 22 runs scored in a 22-0, five-inning run rule of UConn to sweep the series, 3-0, on Sunday afternoon at Cougar Softball Stadium.
Houston's 22 runs are the most scored in a conference series matchup in The American and ties for the most ever scored by a league member. Former member Louisville (2014) also scored 22 runs in a five-inning, non-conference run rule over Ohio University on March 9, 2014. The 22 runs are also the second most scored in program history. Houston defeated Texas Southern, 25-0, in five innings on April 23, 2003.
With the win, the Cougars improve to 20-17 overall and 5-1 in The American, tying Tulsa for first place heading into next weekend's showdown. With the decision, the Huskies fall to 13-19 overall and 1-4 in league action. The series sweep, which is the first for Head Coach Kristin Vesely, is the third over UConn in program history.
Sophomore Savannah Heebner did it all in the series finale. The native of Sedalia, Colo., improved her record to 9-6 in the circle, holding UConn to just two hits with five strikeouts and no walks across four scoreless innings. Heebner also paced the Cougars with a multi-home run performance, hitting a three-run jack and grand slam in a 2-for-2 showing to account for a career-high seven RBI and two runs scored. The multi-homer showing is the first of her career and second for Houston in 2017. Senior Shelby Miller hit two home runs against Incarnate Word on Feb. 19.
In total, Houston pounded out a season-high 16 hits with four home runs. Miller (3-for-3), Maya Thomas (3-for-3), Heebner (2-for-2) and Arielle James (2-for-3) all recorded multi-hit performances, as Elise LeBeouf and Sarah Queen joined Heebner with the long ball.
KEY INNINGS
1st | Houston jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first. James and Thomas each singled up the middle to open the frame, before advancing on an illegal pitch. After redshirt sophomore Sarah Barker plated James on a sacrifice fly in the next at bat, Miller singled and stole second base, before Heebner cleared the bases with a three-run home run to right center.
2nd | The Cougars tacked on six runs in the bottom of the second. Sophomore Brooke Vannoy walked to lead things off and quickly stole second base. James and Thomas recorded back-to-back singles, again, to load the bases. Vannoy came home on an infield error, followed by James on a bases-loaded walk. Heebner once again cleared the bases with her first career grand slam to give Houston a 10-0 lead.
3rd | The Cougars doubled their run total with a 10 spot in the bottom of the third. Vannoy singled to leadoff the frame, before Queen hit a pinch-hit homer to left center. Thomas (single), Barker (walk) and Miller (single) then quickly loaded the bases, before Thomas scored on a passed ball. After freshman Breezy Burton drew a pinch-hit walk, senior Jaylin Baldridge plated Barker and Miller on a single through the right side of the infield. Walks to LeBeouf and junior Mariah Garcia plated Burton, before junior De'Zha Scott roped a pinch-hit, two-RBI single down the left field line. Miller followed with a two-RBI single to left field to put Houston up 20-0.
4th | After freshman Kelli Montgomery led off the bottom of the fourth with a walk, LeBeouf closed the offensive showing with a two-run home run to right field.
HOUSTON NOTES
• Houston tied The American record with 22 runs scored.
• Cougars set The American record with 22 runs scored in a conference game.
• Houston recorded a season high with 16 hits.
Top Offensive Players:
Shelby Miller | 3-3, 3 RBI 3 R, BB
Maya Thomas | 3-3, 3 R
Savannah Heebner | 2-2, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 2 R
Arielle James | 2-3, 2 R
Sarah Queen | 1-2, HR, 2 RBI, R
Elise LeBeouf | 1-3, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
De'Zha Scott | 1-1, 2 RBI, R
Kelli Montgomery | 1-2, R, BB
Brooke Vannoy | 1-2, 3 R, BB
Jaylon Baldridge | 1-1, 2 RBI
Pitching Breakdown:
Savannah Heebner (W, 9-6) | 4.0 IP, 2 H 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Presley Bell | 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
ON DECK
The Cougars will look to ride their momentum into a Tuesday visit to Stephen F. Austin, before visiting Tulsa in a marquee conference series across April 13-15.
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 (9-6)
L: KOSHES, Katie (6-5)
Batting:
HR: Queen, Sarah 1 ; Heebner, Savannah 2 ; LeBeouf, Elise 1
RBI: Queen, Sarah 2 ; Scott, De'Zha 2 ; Barker, Sarah 2 ; Miller, Shelby 3 ; Heebner, Savannah 7 ; LeBeouf, Elise 2 ; Garcia, Mariah 1 ; Baldridge, Jaylin 2
SF: Barker, Sarah 1
Base Running:
RUNS: James, Arielle 2 ; Queen, Sarah 1 ; Thomas, Maya 3 ; Scott, De'Zha 1 ; Barker, Sarah 2 ; Miller, Shelby 3 ; Heebner, Savannah 2 ; Burton, Brianna 1 ; Montgomery, Kelli 1 ; LeBeouf, Elise 2 ; Garcia, Mariah 1 ; Vannoy, Brooke 3
SB: Miller, Shelby 1 ; Vannoy, Brooke 1
