NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The comeback kids of Belmont Softball (15-30, 8-11 OVC) were unable to get over the hump at home on Saturday at E.S. Rose Park against visiting Eastern Illinois (17-24, 11-6 OVC). The Bruins saw their rally in game one fall short as they were held off, 4-2, before falling in five innings in the nightcap, 15-3.
Game One
Eastern Illinois runs over the plate in the top of the first and third innings and looked to be on their way to holding the Bruins to a no hitter but BU dug in its heels. After the Panthers added two more runs in the top of the fifth, Belmont fired back and notched its first hit of the day in the bottom of the same inning, thanks to a double by freshman Jordan Spicer (Hendersonville, Tenn.).
However it would not be until the bottom of the sixth inning that BU would begin to fully wage its comeback effort. Back-to-back solo home runs by redshirt sophomore Lexi Rouse (Macon, Ga.) and junior Chelsey Deloney (Gardendale, Ala.) cut EIU's lead in half, 4-2. Unfortunately, Eastern Illinois was able to maintain the two-run advantage and take the game by same score.
Game Two
The Panthers exploded in the first, putting across a whopping 10 runs before Belmont was finally able to get out of the inning. EIU maintained its double digit advantage until the bottom of the second inning. Senior Jessica Wilson (Alvin, Texas) homered to left on the first pitch tossed to her. In the bottom of the third, a double by Deloney sent classmate Kayla Wells (Bonney Lake, Wash.) over the plate, who also reached on a double.
After a silent fourth inning from both teams, the Panthers put the game out of reach for good in the top of the fifth inning, scoring five additional runs. The Bruins attempted another comeback in the bottom of the same inning but could only put one run over the plate, falling 15-3.
For the day, Rouse batted .600 with a pair of doubles and a home run. Deloney went 1-for-2 at the plate, including a home run.
Inside the circle, seniors Shelby Willard (Chattanooga, Tenn.) and Carolyn Snodgress (Torrance, Calif.), Rouse and freshman Ashley Johnson (Kingwood, Texas) all saw action. The corps combined for 10 strikeouts.
For Sunday's doubleheader, the team welcomes all veterans and active duty military members for a Military Salute game. Those in service men and women attendance can receive a complimentary tee-shirt and pair of sunglasses by RSVPing to Coach Kirsten Lamberston (Kirsten.lambertson@belmont.edu), compliments of the team and Belmont Athletics.
Both games of the doubleheader can be seen live on the OVC Digital Network. Live stats will also be available.
