CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- A late rally in the top of the seventh that forced extra innings helped propel Belmont Softball to a come from behind victory on Friday afternoon. After dropping game one, 3-0, the Bruins (8-22, 1-4 OVC) surged to take game two, 2-1, from Southeast Missouri State (9-14, 3-2 OVC) in nine innings. The effort gave BU its first OVC win on the road and snapped a six-game skid.
Game One
The Redhawks jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning behind back-to-back doubles and a home run. BU kept putting the bat on the ball throughout the remainder of the contest but was unable to get a runner over the plate. The Bruins had their best chance at scoring in the top of the seventh inning. With two outs, senior Jess Wilson (Alvin, Texas) was walked and junior Amy Zeronian (Pasadena, Calif.) followed with a hard single to the shortstop. However, the pair was stranded after a untimely strikeout, allowing Southeast Missouri State to take the game, 3-0.
Senior Carolyn Snodgress (Torrance, Calif.) and freshman Ashley Johnson (Kingwood, Texas) split time in the circle.
Game Two
The teams remained in a scoreless stalemate through the first four and a half innings of play in the nightcap. The Redhawks used a single and a walk to open the door for the first run of the game after a single up the middle. Southeast Missouri State was able to hold on to its one run lead until the top of the seventh inning. Zeronian was walked and rookie Baylee Cook (Lewisburg, Tenn.) singled down the right line to ramp up the tension at the SE Softball Complex. Freshman Jordan Spicer (Hendersonville, Tenn.) used a sacrifice deep to center field to send a Bruin over the plate to knot the score, 1-1.
The contest remained stalemated at 1-1 as the game tipped into extra innings before a decision was made. Belmont held off back-to-back rallies by the Redhawks to keep them in the mix. Finally, in the top of the ninth, the Bruins made their move. With two outs, a solo shot over the fence by sophomore Sheyanne Meadows (Zanesville, Ohio) put the Bruins on top, 2-1. It was her first of the season. Belmont leaned on a strong defensive effort to hold on to the one-run advantage and take the game by the same score.
Inside the circle, senior Shelby Willard (Chattanooga, Tenn.) and Rouse split duty, combining for four strikeouts in the win. Rouse went on to pick up her second win of the season.
For the series, Zeronian and Rouse finished with two hits apiece to lead the Bruins.
Belmont returns to action on Saturday with a doubleheader at UT Martin. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. Live stats and an audiocast will be available.
