NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Belmont Softball beat back a no-hitter and nearly came back for another walk off victory Saturday at Rose Park. The Bruins (3-6, 0-1 OVC) were held off, 4-2, by Jacksonville State (2-7, 1-0 OVC) to open the three-game series to kickoff Ohio Valley Conference play.
The first contest of this weekend's three-game series was locked in a 0-0 stalemate for much of the day. Through the first six innings, neither team was able to get a run over the plate. The Gamecocks also held the Bruins hitless over the same span while the BU defense beat back several close calls in earlier innings.
Both teams saw their bats come alive in the last inning. In their half of the final frame, the Gamecocks were able to plate four runs. A single and a pair of bunts loaded the bases for the visitors. A fielding error saw JSU push its first run over the plate before the Gamecocks used a sacrifice fly to add another. A long single to left notched the final two runs for Jacksonville State.
Down but not out, the Bruins made their move in their half of the inning, looking to recapture the walk off win magic from the previous weekend. Senior Alicia Veltri (Clarksville, Tenn.) launched a leadoff double to right and the home dugout exploded in cheers. Sophomore Kaliey Brown (San Antonio, Texas), in to pinch hit, used a well-placed bunt to put runners on the corners. Sophomore Lauren Veltri (Clarksville, Tenn.) sent a single to left to send her older sister over the plate, for BU's first run. Even down by two outs, Belmont continued to dig deep. Junior Audrey Lyle (Westlake, Ohio) added a run with the help of her single to to right center, cutting the run differential in half. Unfortunately, the home team was unable to plate two more runs and fell by the score, 4-2.
For the day, Lyle, Alicia Veltri and Lauren Veltri posted hits. Inside the circle, Alicia Veltri went the distance, recording four strikeouts in the effort.
Belmont returns to action on Sunday to conclude the series with a doubleheader beginning at Noon. Live stats will be available. Fans may also follow the team's Twitter account (@BelmontSoftball) for live, in-game updates.
