Kentucky softball team splits games on opening night

The University of Kentucky softball team split its season-opening doubleheader at the Kajikawa Classic in Tempe, Ariz., on Friday night.

The Wildcats, ranked No. 18 in the national coaches’ poll, turned back No. 24 Notre Dame 10-7 in the opener. UK fell to unranked Oregon State 8-0 in the nightcap.

Kentucky (1-1) continues play at Arizona State University through Monday. The Cats take on sixth-ranked Oregon State on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. EST.

UK scored six runs in the bottom of the third inning to break out in Friday’s opener against the Fighting Irish.

Meagan Prince pitched 5 2/3 innings to pick up the victory, allowing six hits and striking out three. Shannon Smith closed things out with four additional strikeouts.

Sophomore Brooklin Hinz, senior Nikki Sagermann and freshman Katie Reed all had two hits in the game, while Reed, in her collegiate debut, scored three runs to lead the Wildcats.

Oregon State (2-0) beat the Cats with clutch hitting in Friday’s second game, collecting five hits with runners on base against UK pitchers Erin Rethlake and Shannon Smith. Kentucky went 0-for-5 with runners on base.

Kentucky managed only two hits off Beavers freshman right-hander Meehra Nelson.

This story was originally published February 13, 2016 at 11:51 AM with the headline "Kentucky softball team splits games on opening night."