The No. 24 Kentucky softball team delivered a strong showing at the I-75 Tournament, finishing 4-1 on the weekend while flexing both its power and pitching depth. After a tough loss to Coastal Carolina, the Wildcats rebounded with explosive performances, highlighted by a six-homer game and a 7-4 finale win over Kennesaw State.
Game 1: Wildcats Cruise Past Georgia Tech, Fall to Coastal Carolina
Kentucky opened the tournament with a 10-0 run-rule win over Georgia Tech behind a stellar performance from pitcher Alexia Lacatena, who tossed a complete-game shutout with four strikeouts and no walks. Delani Sullivan’s first career home run and a flurry of Georgia Tech errors helped UK plate 10 runs on just five hits.
In the second game, Kentucky struggled at the plate, going 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position in a 3-1 loss to Coastal Carolina. The Chanticleers capitalized on two home runs, handing UK its only loss of the weekend.
Game 2 & 3: Kentucky’s Offense Erupts for 25 Runs
Saturday saw Kentucky put up video-game numbers at the plate, securing a 9-1 win over Memphis before unloading 16 runs in a 16-6 rout of Georgia Tech. Hallie Mitchell’s first career home run headlined a record-tying six-homer performance, as Cassie Reasner (2), Peyton Plotts, Karissa Hamilton, and Lauryn Borzilleri joined the long-ball parade.
Against Memphis, the Wildcats capitalized on walks and a three-run blast from Allie Blum to cruise to their second run-rule victory of the weekend. Pitcher Julie Kelley earned the complete-game win, allowing just one run on three hits.
Game 4: Fall, Plotts Lead Cats to I-75 Challenge Finale Win
Sunday’s 7-4 victory over Kennesaw State was fueled by a standout pitching effort from freshman Carson Fall, who threw 4.2 shutout innings, allowing just one hit and striking out five.
At the plate, Peyton Plotts went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, including a key two-run single in the first inning. Delani Sullivan added her second home run of the season as Kentucky collected 13 hits and scored in four of the first five innings.
What's Next?
Kentucky finished the tournament with a 4-1 record and now sits at 10-5 overall on the season, building momentum as it moves forward in non-conference play.
The Wildcats will return to action next weekend with the WKU Tournament kicking off Friday, looking to continue their offensive surge.