The UH softball team dominated Sam Houston State on Wednesday during a makeup game which saw the Cougars shut down play in a quick five innings.
"I felt like every time we gave something up we got something back," head coach Kyla Holas said. "That was one of the things that I felt like we were doing. We got our bunts down and we were doing the little things – manufacturing our runs."
UH, now 41-7, opened the game by scoring a run on an RBI single from freshman first baseman Jennifer Klinkert.
Freshman pitcher Baillie Lott hit an RBI double in the bottom of the second, and was brought home on an RBI single from junior infielder and reigning Conference USA Hitter of the Week Jessica Valis, who went 3-4 with two RBIs against the Bearkats, putting the Cougars ahead 3-0.
"The game gave Baillie some innings. Trying to make sure our pitching staff stays fresh and ready is a big thing for us. When you get down to post-season with three (starters), it’s really hard to get them all time. You’ve got to make sure you can do that," Holas said.
The Bearkats put one run on the board with an RBI single from senior shortstop Tanya Hooser, bringing the score to 3-1.
Senior left fielder Amanda Grote put the Cougars up 4-1 with an RBI single, and junior second baseman Haley Valis brought in a three-run home run in the bottom of the third.
"We only hit one home run today, so it wasn’t like we were shooting for the fence. I thought we did a really good job with that," Holas said.
Junior outfielder Katie Bush hit a two-run single to put the Cougars up 9-1 as they headed into the top of the fourth inning.
Sam Houston’s freshman centerfielder Hailey Wiginton homered in the top of the fifth, bringing the score within eight.
Despite the Bearkats’ efforts, Jessica Valis hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the fifth, ending the game at 10-2.
Lott pitched the entire game, giving up six hits and two runs while striking out four.
"I still think she’s got things to work on," Holas said. "My expectations are really high, and I feel like she has more to do. She’s continued to get better (at the plate) and she’s had some good at bats. I think you’re going to see her there for a while."
The Cougars head to Birmingham, Ala., for a three-game series against the Alabama-Birmingham Blazers on Saturday and Sunday.
