The Arizona softball team cruised past College of Charleston in the first of three games between the two clubs, earning a 9-0 run-rule win in five innings.
The fifteenth-ranked Wildcats (14-4) recorded a season-high 12 hits, accomplishing the feat in just four innings of offense. Senior first baseman Jessica Spigner led the way with three hits, her first three-plus-hit game in an Arizona uniform. UA outhit College of Charleston (9-5) 12-2 on the night.
Junior pitcher Kenzie Fowler struck out 12 of the 19 batters she faced while tossing her fourth straight complete-game shutout. Fowler allowed two hits and two walks. The dozen strikeouts for Fowler were a season best. The Tucson native improved to 6-0 on the season.
The Cats clocked two home runs on the night. Kristen Arriola hit a grand slam in the fourth inning -- her second homer and grand slam of the season -- and Chelsea Goodacre brought home two with a home run to right in the second.
Arizona used six hits to plate five runs across in the second and take control. Shelby Pendley doubled and was brought home by the Goodacre homer, and UA then posted three consecutive doubles to left; Hallie Wilson added to her conference lead with her ninth two-bagger of the season, and Chelsea Suitos and Brigette Del Ponte followed with RBI doubles. Del Ponte scored on an RBI single off the bat of Spigner.
In the fourth, a College of Charleston error, a walk and a Spigner single loaded the bases for Arriola, who slammed them home with a drive to right. The grand slam gave Arizona a 9-0 lead after four.
Fowler allowed a double in the fifth to Kristy Giragosian, who had both of the Cougars' hits, but the Arizona junior would strand her at second to end the game.
Arizona and College of Charleston will meet Saturday and Sunday to conclude the series.
