Utah Softball Claims 10-0 Win Over Utah State

Saturday, February 7

St. George, Utah

4:00 PM

University of Utah

Utah State

2/7/2009 12:00 AM | Softball

Feb. 7, 2009

Box Score

ST. GEORGE, Utah - Freshman third baseman Whitney Holm hit two home runs and pitchers Ashley Smuda and Joni Cook combined for a six-inning no-hitter as the University of Utah softball team earned a 10-0 win over in-state rival Utah State Saturday afternoon during the second day of the Red Desert Classic at the Canyons Softball Complex.

"We were really seeing the ball well," Utah head coach Amy Hogue said. "We have a few hitters who are really getting comfortable. [Holm] is putting on a showcase and she really looks comfortable up there. She really looks like a veteran in the box."

In addition to not allowing a hit to the Aggies, the Utes totaled 16 hits. Holm led the way with a pair of home runs and now has hit three career home runs in her first three games as a Ute. On the day, the Spanish Fork, Utah native went 2-for-3 with three RBI.

On the mound, Smuda started the game and was credited with the win after pitching the first three innings and striking out two Aggies. Cook pitched the final three innings with two strikeouts and gave up one walk.

"[Smuda] threw the ball right where we asked her to throw it today," Hogue said. "It was also key that [Cook] got comfortable on the mound today as well. I was really proud of my team."

The Utes threatened early in the game by leaving Kara Foster and Angie Boardman on second and third base, respectively, at the end of the first inning. But Utah broke through and capitalized in its second inning when Holm led off with her second home run of the contest then Staci Hemingway came through with a two-RBI single through the right side of the USU infield to put the Utes ahead 3-0. Brooke Olson came through with another RBI single to cap Utah's four-run effort in the frame.

Starting second baseman Bonnie Muir led off the fourth inning with a solo home run to left field then Foster was driven in by Sharee Fonoti. Olson reached base after a bunt single then scored after an error by the Aggie catcher. Muir has now hit two career home runs at Utah.

The Utes capped the game with a three-run sixth inning. The inning started with a leadoff walk by Fonoti, who was driven in after Holm hit second home run of the game over the left-field fence. Hemingway set the final margin at 10-0 with her first home run of the season.

The Utes conclude their Red Desert Classic schedule tomorrow against No. 15 Washington at 11 a.m., and Utah Valley at 1:30 p.m.