TROY, Ala. – Belmont Softball remained on the hunt for an offensive rhythm on the second day of the Trojan Classic, hosted by Troy. The Bruins (0-4) fell 5-0 to UAB (2-2) in the first contest of the day before host-Troy (4-0) used a late rally in the fourth inning to win, 8-0.
The Blazers jumped onto the scoreboard first, posting a run in the top of the first inning behind a series of singles. In the top of the following inning, UAB added three more runs to pull ahead, 4-0. The Bruins looked to have a chance to push a run over the plate in the bottom of the third frame.
Freshman Kaley Varner (Cumming, Ga,) reached on a fielder's choice as UAB used the chance to prevent senior Georgia McKee (Frisco, Texas) from advancing after she reached after being hit by a pitch. Senior Cheyenne Cavanaugh (Spring, Texas) reached with a single, but the Bruins could not get the two over the plate. Belmont surged again in the bottom of the fifth but stranded a pair of runners then as well. UAB was able to hold on for the 5-0 win.
In the nightcap rematch, Troy posted a single run in the bottom of the first two innings. Belmont continued to get runners into scoring position not over the plate over the same span. After quieting the Trojan bats in the third inning, BU hoped to make a move in the top of the fourth. Junior Audrey Lyle (Westlake, Ohio) was walked but sophomore Abi Ledbetter (Livingston, Tenn.) hit into a double play to halt the opportunity.
TU pushed back in its half of the same inning, exploding for a whopping six runs to put the contest out of reach for the Bruins. BU attempted to rally in the top of the fifth frame but fell short, allowing Troy to hold on for the 8-0 victory.
For the day, Ledbetter led the Bruins at the plate, going 2-for-5. Seniors Autumn McDanel (Moravia, Iowa) and Alicia Veltri (Clarksville, Tenn.), sophomore Kailey Brown (San Antonio, Texas) and freshman Alex Clesi (Mandeville, La.) all took a spin inside the circle. Each recorded a strikeout.
Belmont returns to action Friday, February 19 when it hosts Dayton for a doubleheader at E.S. Rose Park. Live stats will be available.
