[B][I]After seven consecutive non-conference games, UK returns to SEC play[/I][/B]
LEXINGTON, Ky. – After taking a break from league play for seven games the Kentucky softball team will resume Southeastern Conference action on the road for a three-game series at Auburn beginning Friday, March 23 at 7 p.m. ET. UK capped its non-conference play with a quality win at Western Kentucky on Wednesday night.
Kentucky (13-15, 0-3 SEC) had two players hit home runs and senior Rachel Riley was terrific in the pitching circle to lead the Blue and White to a non-conference road victory in Bowling Green, Ky.
Junior Kara Dill had a career-high four hits while also going deep for the first time in her career to lead the offensive effort for the Wildcats. Dill reached by way of a hit in all four at-bats, which marked the most hits in a single game in her career.
Sophomore Ginny Carroll also hit a homer this time going for two-runs for the Wildcats to lead the charge. The round tripper was her team-leading fourth of the year. She’s hit three in her last seven games. Riley went the distance in the circle and struck out six in the win. She also provided a hit to the offensive cause.
Auburn owns a 23-7 overall record and a 2-3 clip in conference action. The Tigers are ranked in both major polls with the NFCA ranking them at No. 18. Auburn dropped a 7-1 contest at Troy on Wednesday night in their last action.
The Tigers are paced by a .371 batting average from Lauren Guzman. She has hit six doubles, driven in 14 runs and swiped 12 bases to lead the offensive charge. Elizabeth Eisterhold is batting with a .368 clip and has hit a team-high nine homers while driving in a squad-best 29 RBI.
In the pitching circle, the Tigers have a trio of pitchers who have all seen action in 14 games. Lauren Schmalz boasts a team-best 0.83 ERA and 76 strikeouts. Angel Bunner has won 15 of 16 games and owns a 1.46 ERA.
The squads will play a three-game series with one game being played Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Live stats will be available on both teams’ websites.
