UA Wildcats softball
Wildcat softball downs alumni team
The University of Arizona Wildcat softball team wrapped up their fall exhibition season with a visit from former Wildcats in the Arizona Alumni Game. The young'uns took down the more experienced graduates 5-1 in six innings Friday night.
Kenzie Fowler picked up the win against her elders, giving up two hits in three innings of work, never allowing a runner to get into scoring position during the festive affair at Hillenbrand Stadium.
Jennifer Martinez was charged with the loss after giving up four runs in the fifth without recording an out. The 2009 grad gave up three walks and a hit before being relieved by Leslie Wolfe.
Taryne Mowatt started the game for the alumni and showed she still had the stuff that made her a two-time National Champion and Arizona's single season strikeout queen. Mowatt pitched two innings, striking out four and giving up only one hit.
That one hit, however, would be pricey. Lini Koria led off the bottom of the second with a home run that towered over Candrea's Corner, a ball that would have made Leneah Manuma, who was sitting in the opposite dugout, proud.
The 1991 and 2001 National Championship teams were honored with between-inning ceremonies in which Coach Mike Candrea addressed the crowd of nearly 1,000 fans. Candrea said the two teams ignited their respective decades. He went on to say, "1991, 2001 and hopefully 2011," which got perhaps the biggest reaction of the night from the fans.
62 former players, coaches and managers returned for the special event, including Jennie Finch. Rumor has it Finch played her last game tonight at Hillenbrand where her collegiate career started, 11 years ago.
The Alumni Game wraps up the fall slate for the Cats who finished their exhibition games with an 8-1 record, the only loss coming to the NPF All-Stars. Arizona will be in action Feb. 11-13 in the Kajikawa Classic, and begins its home games Feb. 18 at the Hillenbrand Invitational.
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