UH softball experiences highs and lows during Tiger Classic. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar
Houston softball went 2-3 in the Tiger Classic on Feb. 23-25 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Both Cougar wins came against Austin Peay, with losses coming against #7 LSU and Boise State.
Game 1
The Cougars started off the weekend with a dominant 10-1 win over Austin Peay. Houston took advantage of a vulnerable pitching staff that allowed ten walks, the most drawn by UH since 2020.
UH kicked off the second with a two-runner homer from Graduate pitcher Shelby Smith, her first of the season. After a single and two walks the Cougars loaded the bases. A single from Graduate utility player Bree Cantu put Houston up 4-0. Runs scored off an Austin Peay error and a fielder’s choice also contributed to the seven-run second.
Smith advanced to 6-0 on the year after giving up one hit in three innings.
Game 2
Smith dropped her first game of the season Friday evening in a 10-3 loss against LSU.
UH gave up runs early, letting the Tigers go up 2-0 after the first. The Cougars cut the deficit to 4-3 after graduate infielder Jazmyn Rolin doubled with two runners on in the fourth. Rolin went 2-3 with 2 RBIs on the night. However, Houston failed to score again after the Tigers’ five-run fifth.
Game 3
Boise State topped the Cougars 9-1 Saturday. After a scoreless first, the Broncos scored seven in the second. A fourth inning RBI from Smith- her third of the weekend, saved Houston from being shutout.
Game 4
Houston’s struggles continued with the Cougars being held scoreless in a 5-0 loss to LSU. Sophomore pitcher Tamya Waiters gave up one run in her 2.2 innings.
Game 5
UH closed out the weekend with a 5-3 win over Austin Peay.
A steal in the first from Graduate Kennedy Thomas that forced an error proceeded a RBI from junior utility player Turiya Coleman that put the Cougars up 2-0. Thomas went 2-3 on the afternoon in her seventh multi-hit game on the season.
With the bases loaded in the fourth and senior infielder Zaquai Dumas at the plate, a fielder’s choice drove home two. Despite Austin Peay’s attempt to mount a comeback, the Cougars closed out the game.
Waiters pitched 4.1 no-hit innings in the win.
The Cougars concluded the weekend with a record of 10-4 overall. On Wednesday, UH will face McNeese State in Houston at 6:00.
