Ole Miss softball launched their 2019 season in fine fashion picking up a season opening shutout win over Central Florida on Thursday.
Softball has begun and while beginning the season without head coach Mike Smith at the helm Ole Miss softball (1-0) was able to pick up the season opener shutout over UCF. Behind the hitting of junior Kaylee Horton the Rebels started strong and finished strong to get the 3-0 over the Knights in the season opener.
The game was the first of five games the Rebels would have in Orlando Florida in the Friends Of Jaclyn Tourney which began Thursday and runs thru Sunday. Ole Miss softball would also face Ohio State Friday in a game which resulted in a 4-2 loss for the Rebels. The Rebels will also face games against Minnesota and George Mason on Saturday before finishing up the tourney Sunday in a rematch with Ohio State. We will take a look at the Rebels first two games by the numbers.
Game1, Central Florida
Ole Miss Rebels
Besides junior Kaylee Horton’s perfect 3 for 3 day at the plate there were other Rebels who had good days in the box. Senior Brittany Finney and Gabby Alvarez both went 1 for 3 at the plate. Horton scored 2 of the Rebels 3 runs on the day while freshman Tate Whitley scored 1 run.
In the circle senior Brittany Finney (1-0) went the distance for the Rebels while recording 7 scoreless innings and allowing just 4 hits. Finney had 6 Ks and 1 BB in the season opening win.
Game2, Ohio State
The Rebels had three players who gained hits Friday against the Buckeyes. Junior Brittany Finney and sophomore Gabby Alvarez both went 1 for 3 at the plate while sophomore Ally Mena went 1 for 2 in the game. Finney and junior Autumn Gillespie each had 1 RBI in the Friday matchup. In the circle sophomore Ava Tillman went for 6 innings allowing just 3 hits and 3 earned runs. Tillman had 2 Ks and 1 BB against the Buckeyes.
The Rebels will be back in action in their third game of the tourney as they will face the Minnesota Gophers. First pitch is set for 9am CT Saturday with a game against George Mason which will begin at 11:30am CT. Good luck to Ole Miss softball Saturday. Hotty Toddy!