Washington’s offense explodes in Jane Sanders Classic behind Celis’ big day

Jillian Celis was one of Washington’s offensive catalysts as the Huskies scored 23 runs on Saturday to round out non-conference play.

The Washington Huskies couldn’t be stopped during the Jane Sanders Classic in Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday during a doubleheader with Mount St. Mary’s. Coach Heather Tarr’s team won both games in five innings by the run-ahead rule, winning the first matchup 10-0 and following it up with a 13-3 victory to move to 16-2 on the year.

Washington’s biggest star of the day was graduate transfer Jillian Celis, who went 2 for 3 with 3 runs batted in during the first game, including a 3-run home run. Junior Kinsey Fiedler posted an identical stat line in the first game, opening the scoring with a 3-run homer of her own in the first inning.

The Huskies hit four home runs in the first game, with Giselle Alvarez and Avery Johnson also taking a trip around the bases.

Graduate student Brooke Nelson and senior Lindsay Lopez combined for a one-hit shutout, with Nelson earning her fourth win of the season recording 6 strikeouts over four innings.

Celis’ exceptional day continued in the second game, going 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored, finishing a triple shy of the cycle. Sophomore Brooklyn Carter went 2 for 4 with 4 RBIs and a stolen base, while Fiedler went 2 for 2 with a triple, driving in 2 runs and scoring one herself.

Sophomore Alana Johnson also went 3 for 4 while first year Sidne Peters earned her second victory of the season. Peters allowed 3 hits and 3 runs (1 earned) while walking 4 batters and striking out 10.

The Huskies will take to the diamond again on Friday to open Pac-12 play with a three game series at home against the Arizona State Sun Devils.