The Kentucky Softball team started the 2023 season with a bang, hitting six home runs and earning two victories on the first day of the NFCA Leadoff Classic. The No. 17 Wildcats defeated St. John’s 14-4 in five innings and Louisville 8-0 in five innings to start the season on a high note.
Alexia Lacatena and Stephanie Schoonover were dominant in the circle for Kentucky, picking up the wins on Friday. Lacatena threw 3.2 innings in game one, allowing only two hits and no runs, while Schoonover pitched a complete-game shutout versus Louisville, allowing just two hits with no walks and two strikeouts.
Kentucky set a new school record with 14 runs scored in its opening game of the season, breaking the previous record set in 2007. Seven UK players had multiple hits, with Jenna Blanton and Rylea Smith both notching three. The team used the long ball to its advantage, hitting six home runs in the two games, including a grand slam from Taylor Ebbs in the first inning against St. John’s and a walk-off three-run bomb from freshman Karissa Hamilton in game two.
In game one against St. John’s, Blanton was the key player, going 3-for-3 at the plate with three singles, a pair of RBIs and a home-run robbing catch over the center field wall that saved three potential runs. In game two against Louisville, Hamilton was the key player, going 2-for-3 with four RBIs, including a walk-off three-run home run.
Stephanie Schoonover has now thrown 12 innings versus Louisville in her career without giving up a run, and surrendering just two hits in those innings. She pitched a no-hitter in 2022 and did not allow a hit until the lead-off batter in the top of the third inning on Friday afternoon.
Kentucky will play Pittsburgh and Southern University on Saturday at day two of the 2023 NFCA Lead-Off Classic, but inclement weather moving into the area could affect the schedule. Fans should check the Kentucky Softball social media accounts and UKathletics.com for the most up-to-date information on the schedule.
