NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Even with a late three-run homerun by senior Cheyenne Cavanaugh (Spring, Texas), Belmont Softball was unable to battle back for the win on Saturday at Rose Park. The Bruins (8-18, 4-13 OVC) were held off, 7-3, by visiting Eastern Kentucky (21-9. 13-4 OVC).
EKU jumped out to an early lead, posting six runs by the third inning. BU's bats remained active but the home team could not get a runner over the plate. The Colonels added a seventh run in the top of the fifth frame to lead, 7-0.
The Bruins turned up the heat with a strong effort in the final inning of play. After holding off a threatening EKU squad in the top half, BU went to work. Senior Georgia McKee (Frisco, Texas) was hit by a pitch to reach first base. Freshman Kaley Varner (Cumming, Ga.) smacked her first collegiate double to get Belmont into scoring position. Cavanaugh launched her first homerun of the season over the centerfield fence to plate three runs, trimming the Eastern Kentucky lead to four, 7-3. The Colonels changed pitchers and it was enough to hold off the late rally and help them hold on for the win by the same score.
For the day, senior Elison Ollinger (Robins, Iowa) led the Bruins at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double.
Inside the circle, senior Autumn McDanel (Moravia, Iowa), sophomore Kailey Brown (San Antonio, Texas) and freshman Alex Clesi (Mandeville, La.) all saw time. The trio combined for six strikeouts.
Belmont returns to action on Wednesday at E.S. Rose Park. The Bruins host crosstown rival Tennessee State for a doubleheader. The games can be seen live on ESPN+ or the ESPN app. Live stats will be available. Fans may also follow the team's Twitter account (@BelmontSoftball) for live, in-game updates.
