Grace Lorsung delivered an outstanding performance on Saturday night at the Ole Miss Softball Complex in Oxford, helping No. 16 Kentucky secure a series title with a 7-5 victory over Ole Miss. Lorsung went 2-for-3, contributing a solo home run and a two-run, two-out RBI double in the top of the first inning, setting the tone for the game.
Alexia Lacatena earned her ninth win of the season as the pitcher for UK, throwing for 5.2 innings and allowing only three runs on seven hits, while striking out five. Sloan Gayan closed out the game, pitching the final 1.1 innings and securing the win with a groundout to Grace Lorsung at third base, with the tying run at the plate in the bottom of the seventh.
Erin Coffel had a notable performance as well, scoring two runs in the game despite being intentionally walked during all four of her at-bats. Coffel scored in the first inning on Lorsung’s RBI double and later on Kowalik’s infield single in the top of the sixth inning, which extended Kentucky’s lead to 6-2.
With this series win, Kentucky remains undefeated in Southeastern Conference road games this season, boasting a perfect 5-0 record. The Wildcats now hold a 24-9-1 overall record, securing third place in the SEC with a 7-4 league record. Ole Miss, on the other hand, falls to 22-18 on the season and a 2-9 league record.
The Wildcats will aim for a sweep on Easter Sunday at 4 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast live on ESPN2 and streaming on the ESPN app and ESPN+.
The key play in Saturday’s game was Lorsung’s two-RBI double down the left-field line in the top of the first inning, giving the Wildcats an early 2-0 lead. Lorsung was also the key player in the game, scoring a run, recording two extra-base hits, and taking a walk. Another important factor in the game was Kentucky’s flawless defensive play, as the team committed no errors throughout the series.
The victory was a true team effort, with contributions from multiple players culminating in a thrilling win for the Wildcats. The team will be looking to maintain their momentum as they continue their season and pursue further success in the Southeastern Conference.
