In a season opener that had started pretty early for a softball game, the Kentucky Wildcats shook off the sleep and made a bold statement by dominating the Pittsburgh Panthers at the NFCA Kick-Off Challenge in sunny Florida. The game kicked off at 10 AM EST, and the Cats wasted no time getting the party started winning 7-0.
A Lightning Start and Complete Game Shutout
Right out of the gate, Kentucky showed they meant business. The Wildcats exploded for 4 runs in the bottom of the second inning—just enough to build an early lead that would carry them throughout the game. Alexia Lacatena, the standout pitcher for the Cats, delivered a masterclass performance. Pitching a complete game shutout, Lacatena allowed just 5 hits, walked no one, and recorded 3 strikeouts, effectively shutting down the Panthers' offense.
Building the Lead
After the explosive start, the Wildcats continued to build on their advantage. They added another run in the 5th inning and sealed the win with 2 more in the 6th. The final tally stood at 7 runs and 7 hits, a testament to both the potent offense and disciplined pitching of Lacatena. The game ended with the iconic "C A T S, cats, cats, cats!" chant and fans hope to see that all season long.
Key Contributions from the Wildcats
- Alexia Lacatena was the ace on the mound, delivering a flawless, complete game shutout that set the tone for the season.
- Emory Donaldson stepped up at the plate, finishing the game 2-for-2 with 2 RBIs and accumulating 5 total bases. Her timely hitting helped solidify Kentucky's early lead.
- Allie Blum made history by hitting the first home run of the season. Her power bat will be key all year long.,
The Atmosphere and What’s Next
While there are no announcers for the game, and only a behind the home plate view, the atmopshere was great. Kentucky looked comfortable and played clean softball the whole day.
Looking forward, the Wildcats are gearing up for their next challenge. Up next is a game against Notre Dame, scheduled for tomorrow at 1 PM on the GameChanger app. With the momentum from their season opener, the Cats are ready to carry their winning ways all season long.