First-year Alvarez plays hero in NCAA Regional victory over Indiana

The Washington Huskies started the NCAA Columbia Regional on the right note with a victory over the Indiana Hoosiers.

It wasn’t easy, but the Washington Huskies pulled off a victory over the Indiana Hoosiers in the opening game of the Columbia Regional on Friday afternoon thanks to freshman Giselle Alvarez, whose walk-off double lifted her team to an 8-7 victory.

Coach Heather Tarr’s team jumped out to an early 4-1 lead but surrendered 4 runs in the fifth inning but came storming back in the sixth inning.

The Huskies scored three runs, tying the game on Olivia Johnson’s two-run single before Avery Hobson scored on an error thanks to some heads-up baserunning to give Washington a 7-6 lead.

Tarr turned to freshman Sidne Peters in the seventh inning, who earned the victory after surrendering 2 hits and an earned run, allowing the Hoosiers to tie the game. Then with two outs and two runners on in the bottom of the frame, Alvarez stepped to the plate and sent the Huskies into Saturday on the right note.

Alvarez went 2 for 3 on the day as the Huskies tallied 11 hits against Indiana’s pitching. Kinsey Fiedler went 2 for 2 with 2 runs batted in and 2 runs scored and a walk, while Alana Johnson went 3 for 4 with 3 runs scored and an RBI.

Lindsay Lopez started the game for the Huskies and worked 4 2/3 innings, allowing 5 hits and 2 earned runs. Sophomore Ruby Meylan struggled in relief of Lopez, giving up 3 hits and 3 earned runs over 1/3 of an inning.

Sophie Klieman took the loss for the Hoosiers after working 3 2/3 in relief, allowing 5 hits, 2 walks, and 4 runs (3 earned) with 2 strikeouts.

Thanks to the victory, Tarr’s team is one win away of clinching a spot in the regional final and will await the winner of the regional host Missouri Tigers and Omaha Mavericks for a Saturday matchup.

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