Kentucky Softball Ends Weekend With a Loss to Duke

Delani Sullivan - Tommy Quarles, UK Athletics

After a great start to the season, Kentucky softball (4-1) lost their final game of the weekend and first of the season 6-3 to Duke . Offensive struggles and fielding errors plagued the Wildcats as they tried to end the weekend in Clearwater undefeated.

Wildcats Hit An Offensive Slump

After outscoring their first four opponents 40-7, Kentucky could not get their offense going against the Blue Devils. The ‘Cats had seven hits on the game, but couldn’t find any in big moments.

Kentucky had runners in scoring position several times, but could not get them around to the plate. The Blue Devil’s defense was stifling all day in the field and on the mound.

Kentucky started strong with an RBI double from Peyton Plotts in the 1st, leading the team with 10 RBIs on the season. Hallie Mitchell bombed a stand-up triple to right field in the 2nd inning, but was not able to score. Another triple from Ally Hutchins in the 3rd allowed her to score on a sac-fly.

TRIPLE FOR MITCHELL 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Cats have a runner in scoring position with one out in the inning.

1-1, Bot 2nd pic.twitter.com/wKHvVvIjZc
— Eleanor Beavin (@EBeavinKSR) February 9, 2025

Beyond the 3rd inning, Kentucky was scoreless up until their final out as Mitchell was able to steal home on a passed ball.

Fielding Troubles

Starting on the mound for Kentucky was Alexia Lacatena, her second start this season. Duke scored four runs with Lacatena on the mound, but only one was earned. Several fielding errors allowed the Duke base runners to score, giving them the edge in the game.

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Sydney Langdon replaced Lacatena on the mound in the 3rd inning. A throwing error once again helped the Blue Devils to a score, putting them up 5-1. Langdon gave up only one run the rest of the game.

The Kentucky pitching looked strong throughout most of the game, a clear strength for these Cats. Another bright spot for Kentucky was Delani Sullivan, the Wildcats’ centerfielder. Sullivan had two catches on the day and threw a runner out on third base.

WHAT AN ARM FROM DELANI SULLIVAN! 🔥🔥

Cats hold the Blue Devils scoreless in the 5th.

2-5, Mid 5th pic.twitter.com/WKA1zAdWAl
— Eleanor Beavin (@EBeavinKSR) February 9, 2025

What’s Next for Kentucky

Kentucky will stay in Clearwater, FL, the rest of the week with the ESPN Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational beginning on Thursday, Feb. 13.

The Wildcats will have double-headers on Thursday and Friday, followed up with a single game on Saturday, Feb. 15. Every game will be streamed on ESPN+.