Feb. 10, 2008

Final Stats

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. - UC Davis scored three runs in the first inning, and it would prove to be more than enough for Jessica Hancock. The junior fired a seven-hit shutout for the Aggies, who defeated Winthrop, 3-0, Sunday morning to close out play at the Cathedral City Kick-Off. Tracy Dean had a two-run single for UC Davis, which improved to 3-2 on the year.

Michelle Espiritu led off the top of the first with a single, and Julie Stauder walked. Erin Emde followed with a sacrifice to advance the runners to second and third. Dean then singled to drive in Espiritu and Stauder as the Aggies had the early 2-0 lead. A third run came across on a two-out single by Jenny Corbett.

The rest was left up to Hancock, who had already retired the side in order in the first. She allowed a hit in each of the last six innings but was able to force Winthrop to strand a total eight base runners.

In the third, the Eagles threatened by loading the bases with one out. Stephanie Reid then grounded into a force play at home, and Katie Smith struck out as Hancock kept the shutout going heading into the fourth. The Eagles had a pair of singles in the fourth but were once again thwarted by Hancock. Winthrop (2-3) left a runner on base in each of the last three innings.

Hancock (1-2) picked up her first win of the season. She struck out seven and did not walk a batter. Winthrop's Megan Evans came in to relieve starter Cari Wooldridge after the first inning and allowed just one hit the rest of the way.

UC Davis is next in action Feb. 15 when it begins play at the UNLV Louisville Slugger Desert Classic. The Aggies face Seton Hall, UTEP, Missouri, Wisconsin and Illinois in the three-day tournament.