Memphis Drops First Two Games of the SDSU Season Kickoff

Friday, February 10

San Diego, Calif.

11 a.m.

University of Memphis

0-1

Northern Illinois

1-0

Memphis

Northern Illinois

Memphis Drops First Two Games of the SDSU Season Kickoff

Feb 10, 2023 | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The University of Memphis softball team opened the 2023 season today against Northern Illinois and CSU Northridge in the SDSU Season Kickoff. The Tigers (0-2) fell to NIU, 5-4, and 5-0 to CSUN.

"I thought we came out a little excited and a little nervous in the first game, when we finally settled in, I thought we competed well all day." said head coach Stephanie VanBrakle Prothro. "I thought we looked much improved from the fall, so we are going to keep working and staying in the process of getting better every day."

Game One: NIU 5, Memphis 4

HOW IT HAPPENED
• NIU struck first putting up three runs in the first inning with Kelly Walinksi and Sam Mallinder batting in the runs.
• The Huskies would further their lead with a run in the second and third inning to put them up 5-0.
• Taylor Smrt and Linsey Hargis drove in a combined three runs at the top of the fifth inning to cut the deficit to two.
• Continuing the scoring run, LaNya Bates reached on a throwing error, allowing Sam Ibison to reach the plate.

NOTABLES
• Memphis held NIU scoreless through the final four innings.
• Hallie Siems got her first start of the season and recorded seven strikeouts.

Game Two: CSUN 5, Memphis 0

HOW IT HAPPENED
• The Matadors went up first, Gizella Vargas-Sandoval singled out to right field sending in their first run at the top of the first.
• CSUN doubled the lead at the top of the second inning as Kennedy Gustin singled to left field, sending in Whatman.
• Raegan Jackson and Vargas-Sandoval sent in three more runs for the Matadors, extending the lead to 5-0 at the top of the seventh.
• Memphis held strong defensively through the sixth inning, allowing only two runs in the span, but were unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

NOTABLES
• Rylee Dugar got her first start of the season recording two strikeouts.
• Kendall Lee, Madi Berner, Ibison, Bates and Smrt all recorded hits in game two.

UP NEXT
• The Tigers will compete in their second day of the SDSU Season Kickoff.
• Memphis will face off against Arizona State at 11 a.m. and San Diego State at 1:30 p.m.
• Watch the Tigers take on SDSU at www.goaztecs.com and live stats will be available at www.GoTigersGo.com.

How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.