The University of Utah softball team lost to the Kansas Jayhawks, 10-5, on March 22 in a Big 12 Conference game at Arrocha Ballpark in Lawrence. The defeat brings Utah’s season record to 24 wins and eight losses, with a conference record of four wins and two losses.
This result is significant as it marks a setback for the Utes after their strong start to the season and within conference play.
Kansas took an early lead by scoring four runs in the first inning, loading the bases on two hit batters and a single before September Flanagan drove in the first run. Kadence Flanagan followed with a three-run double. Utah had its first chance to respond in the third inning when they loaded the bases with one out but were unable to score after a popfly and groundout ended their opportunity. In the bottom of that inning, Kansas extended its advantage to seven runs due to three unearned scores.
Utah managed two runs in the fourth inning through hits from Emily Capobianco. In the fifth, Danika Wilson hit a two-run home run that narrowed Kansas’ lead to three runs at 7-4. However, Kansas responded by adding three more runs in their half of the fifth. Although Utah scored once more and loaded the bases with one out in the seventh inning, their comeback was halted by a double play that ended both their rally and the game.
Looking ahead, Utah will return home for a four-game homestand starting Tuesday against Weber State Wildcats at 4 p.m., giving them an opportunity to regroup following this loss.
