Memphis shut out UConn in Saturday’s opening game of their three-game series in Mansfield, Conn. The Tigers took an early 5-0 lead, which they extended to 8-0 in the second inning. Katie Brignac put Memphis up 11-0 in the third with a three-run shot over the left field wall, tallying her second home run of the season. The game concluded after five innings, with the Tigers notching a 12-0 victory over the Huskies. Jordan Richwood improved to 7-11 after striking out seven Huskies and giving up only one hit. UConn senior Lauren Duggan threw four innings after she entered the game at the top of the second to replace freshman Chelsea Eckert (3-9), who was credited with the loss.

In the Huskies’ 8-7 Game 1 victory, senior Lauren Duggan tossed seven innings in her 14^th start of the season and earned the win to advance to 8-9. In the first inning the Tigers scored two runs on two hits and an error, and they increased their lead after scoring an additional run in the second. UConn was able to respond to the 3-0 deficit in the third by putting up seven runs on two hits and five walks, including a grand slam over the left field wall by junior Alyssa Gardea. The home run marked her second of the season and third of her career. Husky Alyson Ambler had an RBI double in the third inning and RBI single in the fourth. After scoring one run in the seventh inning the Tigers had the tying run at second, but a flyout to right field ended the game and secured UConn’s victory. Memphis pitcher Molly Smith (3-5) took the loss in relief, giving up four earned runs on three hits in 3.2 innings.

UConn scored first in the final game of the series, when junior Lexi Gifford scored on an Emily O’Donnell ground out to second. Taylor Townsend’s RBI double to left field increased the Huskies’ lead to 2-0 in the second inning. Gardea took the spotlight in the third inning after she threw out a runner at home and then blasted her second solo home run of the day. The Tigers evened up the score 3-3 as they produced three hits in the sixth inning; however, they were unable to take the lead. The game concluded with walk off win in the bottom of the seventh when Husky Taylor Townsend scored on O’Donnell’s single to the right side.
 
The Tigers, who fell to 2-6 in conference play and 14-22 overall, will resume play on Wednesday in Martin, Tenn. The first game of their non-conference doubleheader will begin at 4 p.m. CT against the University of Tennessee at Martin. Memphis returns to conference play over the weekend against UCF in a three-game series at home. UConn will play two midweek non-conference games, as they face Hartford on the road Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET., followed by a home game against Central Connecticut State on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.