The University of Louisville softball team’s valiant seventh-inning rally fell short as they suffered a 7-4 loss to the No. 16/16 Kentucky Wildcats in a midweek matchup at John Cropp Stadium.
The Cardinals, down 7-1 in the top of the seventh, began their comeback effort when junior Paige Geraghty reached on a two-base error, later scoring on a double by sophomore Korbe Otis. Freshman Sarah Gordon continued the momentum, smashing a home run over right center field to bring the score to 7-4. Despite another Kentucky error and a wild pitch, the Cardinals’ rally ended with a groundout, securing the Wildcats’ victory.
Louisville’s offense was led by Gordon, who went 2-for-4 with a home run, Otis with an RBI double and two runs scored, and Geraghty, who finished 2-for-3 and scored a run. Freshman Alyssa Zabala (10-4) took the loss, giving up four runs (two earned) on five hits and striking out one in three innings. On the other side, Alexia Lacatena (8-2) earned the win for Kentucky, while Rylea Smith contributed offensively with three RBIs.
The Cardinals started strong, taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, thanks to a sacrifice fly by junior Daisy Hess. However, the Wildcats responded swiftly in the home half of the first, scoring three runs on three hits and an error.
Kentucky extended their lead to 7-1 through the third and fourth innings, capitalizing on Louisville’s miscues and solid offensive play. The Cardinals had opportunities to close the gap earlier, but a pair of groundouts ended their scoring chances in the top of the sixth.
UofL head coach Holly Aprile praised her team’s resilience, highlighting Geraghty, Otis, and Gordon’s performances in the seventh inning, as well as pitchers Gabby Holloway and Cassie Grizzard’s contributions.
The Cardinals (22-10) will look to bounce back in their three-game ACC series against Syracuse starting Friday. The loss to Kentucky snapped Louisville’s seven-game winning streak, and Korbe Otis extended her streak of reaching base safely to 25 games.
