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Another Record Setting Day for Shamblin as Softball Blasts Memphis
March 25, 2007
Houston at Memphis (Game 3 Box Score - PDF)
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Angel Shamblin belted a pair of three-run homers and matched a program single game record with six RBIs as the University of Houston softball team exploded for a 15-3 victory over Memphis Sunday afternoon in the rubber game of a Conference USA weekend series at the UM Softball Complex. The Houston (25-11, 8-1 C-USA) offense ripped four home runs and broke out for a season-best 15 runs. The Cougars also compiled a season-high 14 hits. Shamblin along with Jessica Valis, Katie Bush, Christa Raley and Laura Durham all provided multi-hit outings for the Cougars. "I was proud that our team came out and executed after the sour taste left in their mouth from yesterday," head coach Kyla Holas said. "Our offense is starting to show signs of growth. We worked hard in practice and I felt our offense has improved their approach at the plate." "It's big for our team to win another series on the road in conference play," Bush said. "We wanted to show that we're better than how we played yesterday."
Shamblin also earned the win in the circle to push her record to 16-5 for the season. The Florida native matched her own single season program mark for wins in a season. "I knew I should have had more wins last season and wanted to make the most of each of the opportunities that I got this season," Shamblin said. "There are still a lot of games left on the schedule, and I know that I have a lot of work still left to do." Shamblin delivered the first of two three-run blasts at the plate with two outs in the second inning to give Houston a 3-0 lead. Laura Durham and Laurie Wagner extended the frame by drawing walks. Elaina Nordstrom pushed the advantage to 5-0 with a two-run bomb of her own in the third inning. The homer chased Memphis starter Nicki Johnson (7-5) from the game. Johnson allowed five runs on four hits. Houston platted five more runs in the fifth inning. Wagner provided a two-run single through the left side before Shamblin connected on another two-out, three-run roundtripper to make it 10-0. "I made an adjustment from my at-bats yesterday and moved up in the box," Shamblin said. "I saw the pitches better. When my teammates get on-base, I need to step up as well in critical situations and drive home those runs." Shamblin carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning and retired 12 of the first 13 batters she faced. Kimmi Hayden knocked a solo home run to break up Shamblin's bid at a no-hitter and a shutout. The Cougars turned to Carla Kennimer, who was touched up for two more runs. The southpaw surrendered a trio of walks along with a pair of hits, including a two-run single to pinch hitter Bridgette McNulty. Kennimer regrouped and got Kara Ross to fly out to right field with the bases loaded to end the threat and keep the score at 10-3. "Angel did an excellent job of setting the tone early, and we'll work with her this week in practice on finishing games stronger," Holas said. "Once the no-hitter and shutout was gone, we wanted to give Carla (Kennimer) some work. Carla needs to pitch with more confidence in that situation. She had a good sixth inning, but needed to do that in the inning before." The Cougars responded by posting five more runs in the sixth inning. Bush slapped a RBI-single up the middle, while Raley provided a three-run homer. UH also capitalized on a Memphis fielding error for the final margin of 15-3. Houston returns to the diamond with a mid-week doubleheader at Sam Houston State. First pitch is set for 4pm Wednesday against the Bearkats. Live stats will be available on UHCougars.com "Sam Houston State is solid ball club and will be ready to play us," Holas said. "We need to stay focused and continue to work hard when we return to practice on Tuesday."
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