RUSTON, La. – Despite great rallies, the Belmont softball team (0-6) was unable to pick up a win on the first day of the LA Tech Invitational. The Bruins were held off by host-LA Tech (5-2), 2-0, before falling to Abilene Christian (1-6), 3-1, in the nightcap.
Against La Tech
The Lady Techsters were the first to put a run across the plate in the bottom of the first inning. The Bruins remained actively in the hunt for a scoring opportunity over the next couple of innings and leaned on a strong defensive effort to stifle the LA Tech efforts. Down two runs in the top of sixth, BU made a huge push. Junior Kayla Wells (Bonney Lake, Wash.) singled through the left side and was moved to second base after rookie Baylee Cook (Lewisburg, Tenn.) reached on a throwing error. However, the two out rally fell just short of putting a runner over the plate. Belmont surged once more in the top of the seventh behind a double by freshman Jordan Spicer (Hendersonville, Tenn.). Unfortunately, the Lady Techsters were able to quiet the rally and hold on for the 2-0 victory.
Spicer went 2-for-3 with her first double of the tournament. Senior Shelby Willard (Chattanooga, Tenn.) finished with four strikeouts in 5.1 innings of work. Redshirt sophomore Lexi Rouse (Macon, Ga.) came in for relief at the end of the contest and recorded a strikeout.
Against Abilene Christian
Determined to reverse fortunes, the Bruins came out strong in the nightcap against first-time opponent Abilene Christian. After a scoreless first inning, BU got on the board first in the top of the second inning. Senior Jess Wilson (Alvin, Texas) reached on a walk and Spicer followed with a single that moved the upperclassman into scoring position. Sophomore Jess Andree (Darien, Ill.) was also walked, putting runners on the corners, opening the door for a single to left center by senior Jordan Daly (Humble, Texas) to put a run on the board.
ACU fired back in the bottom of the third, putting up three runs, including an inside the park solo home run. The Bruins again leaned on defense to keep the score from inflating while they worked on finding ways to put a runner over the plate.
BU made a final push in the top of the seventh inning. Back-to-back singles to center field by Rouse and junior Amy Zeronian (Pasadena, Calif.) countered a pair of outs. A single by Cook loaded the bases but the Bruins were unable to take full advantage of the situation and add to their run tally as Abilene Christian went on to take the contest, 3-1.
Spicer went 2-for-3 again while five other players each recorded a hit in the effort. Time in the circle was split between senior Carolyn Snodgress (Torrance, Calif.) and freshman Ashley Johnson (Kingwood, Texas). The duo combined for five strikeouts.
Belmont returns to action on Saturday for day two of the LA Tech Invitational. The Bruins take on Texas State at 4 p.m. and Houston Baptist at 8 p.m. Live stats will be available for both contests.
