NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A slow start doomed the Belmont Softball team's comeback efforts in a pair of games at E.S. Rose Park on Saturday. The Bruins (7-19, 0-2 OVC) fell in their first two conference games to Morehead State (12-9, 2-0 OVC), 12-2 in six innings for game one and 2-1 in the nightcap.
Game One
The Eagles jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first but the Bruins battled defensively to keep them from putting up more runs. However, Morehead State exploded in the top of the third inning, tacking on seven runs to take a commanding 9-0 lead. In the bottom of the same inning, Belmont used a single by junior Amy Zeronian (Pasadena, Calif.) to send juniors Chelsey Deloney (Gardendale, Ala.) and Kate Black (Knoxville, Tenn.) over the plate.
Despite a handful of chances down the stretch, Belmont was unable to add more to the run column as the Eagles picked up four more in the final two innings to take the game, 12-2, in the sixth.
Game Two
Morehead State jumped out an early lead again in the nightcap, putting up two runs in the top of the first inning. The Eagles held on to their advantage for two and a half innings before the Bruins made their move. Senior Jordan Daly (Humble, Texas) singled to left and then was moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Zeronian. A single down the right line by sophomore Sheyanne Meadows (Zanesville, Ohio) scored Daly to move BU to within one run. However, that would be as close as the team would come as MSU held on for the 2-1 win.
For the day, Zeronian and freshman Baylee Cook (Lewisburg, Tenn.) led the team at the plate with two hits apiece. Daly, Deloney and Black all recorded a run for the Bruins.
Inside the circle, pitchers Shelby Willard (Chattanooga, Tenn.), Carolyn Snodgress, (Torrance, Calif.) Lexi Rouse (Macon, Ga.) and Ashley Johnson (Kingwood, Texas) all saw time. Johnson tallied six strikeouts on the day to lead the corps.
Belmont returns to action on Sunday at Rose Park to close the three-game series with Morehead State. The single game is set for a 12:05 PM first pitch.
