RBI race heats up; KU softball rolls

By Staff Reports     May 11, 2013

? Maggie Hull added to her school-career-RBI record and senior teammate Mariah Montgomery closed in on it in Kansas University’s 8-0, five-inning softball victory over Iowa State on Friday at the Cyclone Sports Complex.

Hull tied the old KU record of 135, set by Liz Kocon in 2012, on April 24.

Against ISU, Montgomery hit a three-run double in the third to tie the mark at 135. In the next inning, Hull hit a two-run homer to reclaim the lead with 137 for her career.

“We joke about it,” Hull said of her battle for the RBI crown with Montgomery. “We knew we were pretty close at the start of the season, then I kind of jumped ahead, and then she caught up to me. We were roommates freshman year, we both have started every game together, and we’ve been through a lot together. So we just hugged each other afterward and said congratulations. It means a lot to both of us. I think either one of us could care less who ends up on top, but it is fun to have us both up there.”

That was about the only drama Friday.

KU’s Kelsey Kessler (10-6) threw a complete-game four-hitter with her second straight shutout and sixth of the season, and Kansas (32-16, 7-8) banged out 11 hits off ISU (21-32, 4-12).

“It’s a big series for us,” KU coach Megan Smith said. “We talked to the girls before the game about finishing strong. We started the season strong and we want to finish the season just as strong. I think today was a good indication that we’re ready to do that.”

With the win, KU moved closer to a fourth-place finish in the Big 12 standings, which would be the highest since the 2001 season. Additionally, the Jayhawks’ seven wins in conference play ties the most Big 12 wins for KU since 2008.

KU and ISU will continued the series at noon today.

Kansas 006 20 — 8 11 1

Iowa State 000 00 — 0 4 0

W -Kelsey Kessler, 10-6. L — Tori Torrescano, 11-14.

2B — Mariah Montgomery, KU. HR — Maggie Hull, Chanin Naudin, KU.

Kansas highlights — Montgomery 2-for-3, R, 3 RBIs; Cassen Salomone 2-for-3, R; Naudin 1-for-2, R, 3 RBIs; Alex Hugo 2-for-2, R; Hull 1-for-3, R, 2 RBIs; Kessler 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 Ks.

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