No. 18 Kentucky softball set to face No. 1 UCLA in Palm Springs Friday night

On Friday night, No. 18 Kentucky Softball will go head to head against the No. 1 nationally ranked UCLA Bruins in Palm Springs, Calif. at 8:30 p.m. EST.

This will be the third of five games for the Wildcats as part of the 2023 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic. Kentucky is already 2-0 in this event, taking down No. 8 Washington in thrilling, extra-inning fashion on Thursday afternoon before beating San Diego State later that night.

But Friday night will be even more anticipated, as UCLA brings back star pitcher Megan Faraimo to go up against UK’s breakout star pitcher, Stephanie Schoonover, who continues to impress on the mound for the Cats.

Little game today 😀 pic.twitter.com/5wbTx4lvLq

— Kentucky Softball (@UKsoftball) February 24, 2023

Both teams riding winning streaks

UCLA comes into the game with a perfect 13-0 record while Kentucky is 9-1-1 so far this season. Despite still not having played a home game, this matchup will be the Cats’ third against a top-25 nationally ranked team already.

UK was victorious in one of those games (the Thursday win over top-10 Washington) and tied in the other against No. 9 Texas due to a controversial drop-dead rule where officials had to end the match at a specific time that was previously agreed upon by both parties.

Meanwhile, UCLA has gone up against four top-25 teams throughout its first 13 games so far. The Bruins have won all four thus far, beating No. 11 Alabama, No. 6 Florida State, No. 10 Virginia Tech, and most recently No. 3 Florida on Thursday. UCLA produced a 10-0 shutout win over the Gators in Palm Springs.

The Cats will have their hands full with the hitting abilities of the Bruins and strong pitching from Faraimo.

‘Cats 2-0 in Palm Springs

Kentucky will be going into Friday night’s game coming off a 2-0 win over San Diego State on Thursday night. Schoonover played a huge role for Kentucky against San Diego State, which is receiving votes in the national rankings, by pitching her fourth straight shutout.

In the bottom of the first, Erin Coffel hit a bomb for the Cats, giving them an early 1-0 lead. This homer by Coffel would be one of only four hits that came from UK, but it would ultimately be enough.

Although Kentucky ran into hitting trouble, so did San Diego State. The Aztecs could not make it past Schoonover to knock in a single run.

In the bottom of the second, Vanessa Nesby was hit by a throw after putting down a bunt, which allowed Meeko Harrison to waltz home, giving UK the deciding 2-0 lead.

That's a 2-0 day at the ballpark!!!#WeAreUK x @KYBloodCenter pic.twitter.com/QzVjKBw6Fh

— Kentucky Softball (@UKsoftball) February 24, 2023

Kentucky pulled out the win despite issues from the plate and now heads into their game on Friday night against UCLA on a two-game win streak on the West Coast.