UK Softball Downs Dayton 1-0 in Home Opener

After eighteen long games, the No.19/20 Kentucky Wildcats softball returned to John Cropp Stadium to begin their first homestand of the year.

The Hittin' Kittens, winners of seven straight, took on the challenge of Dayton Flyers, and the result was a contest dominated by the ladies in the circle that went UK's way, 1-0.

The victory moves the Kittens to 14-4 so far this spring.

Kentucky's Erin Rethlake and Dayton's Manda Cash both tossed beauties. Neither pitcher allowed a hit through the first four innings, and both teams reached base on only walks and errors.

Rethlake's breakout season continued. She took a no-hitter into the top of the sixth inning and never faced any runners in scoring position. With the exception of one error, her infield did a fantastic job of supporting her. Also, Rethlake struck out eight Flyers without giving up a walk in her third win of the season.

Along with Rethlake, Alex Martens, Rainwater, and Bailey Vick were the only Wildcats to reach base with the swing of a bat.

The lone run of the game for Kentucky came in the bottom of the third. Sarah Rainwater started off by drawing a walk. She stole 2nd base a batter later. Then with Katie Reed at the plate, Rainwater took advantage of a Flyer throwing error and charged safely home.

Dayton's Cash allowed four hits against no earned runs, two walks, and five K's in six innings of work.