BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The Belmont softball team succombed to Samford University, 9-3, on Friday afternoon in the Bruins' first game of the Samford Invitational Tournament.
The Bruins fell behind early as the Bulldogs jumped out to a quick 3-0 advantage through the first two innings of the contest.
Belmont (2-3) pulled to within one run in the third inning as senior Mia Vierra (Palmdale, Calif.) scored a run off a RBI fielder's choice followed by a RBI single to left field by freshman Chelsey Deloney (Gardendale, Ala.).
The Bruins tied up the contest, 3-3, in the top of the fourth inning off an RBI single to right center field from senior Ashley Hammer (Mt. Juliet, Tenn.).
Samford (5-1) quickly thwarted the Bruins rally as the Bulldogs produced a big fourth inning, scoring four runs off three hits. The decisive inning was highlighted by a three-run home run by Bulldog sophomore Callie Brister.
Samford added on a pair of insurance runs over the fifth and sixth innings as the Bulldogs went on for the 9-3 victory.
Kirbie Ferrell (Pasadena, Tex.) paced Belmont's offensive as the junior went 2-for-4 on the afternoon.
The Bruins will be back in action on Saturday as Belmont plays a pair of contests in the second day of action of the Samford invite. BU takes on Evansville at 11 a.m. followed by a 6 p.m. contest vs. OVC foe Eastern Kentucky. Live stats will be available for both of the contests.
