Box Score FORT MYERS, Fla. – A valiant effort tonight by the Belmont University Softball team falling just short of a win. Belmont controlled the game through the first five innings but FGCU came back to take the lead in the end.
The Bruins started off hot in the first inning. Cheyenne Cavanaugh singled to left field and then successfully stole second. Kristen Green came up for the Bruins hitting a double to bring in Cavanaugh. The Bruins finished the first inning tied 1-1.
Top of the second, full count MyKayla Spurlin prevailed over the Eagles pitching with a base hit to right field. Following her up Elison Ollinger hit a bomb to left center field hitting the fence, earning herself a triple. The ball then flew past third in an attempt to get Ollinger out. Ollinger was quick to react, capitalized and scored on the play, Bruins up 3-1. The Bruins held this lead to finish out the second inning.
Top of the third, Emma Barnes singled, Spurlin and Abi Ledbetter walked, moving Barnes to third. Two outs and three runners on base from back to back walks the Eagles switched pitchers. Due to a wild pitch Barnes advanced, scoring for the Bruins 4-1.
Bottom of the fourth, the Bruins held their lead with a stellar play by Baie Ensio. A fly ball out to right field was caught and thrown in to get the runner out at first.
Top five, Ledbetter reached first off a fielder's choice, calling out Green who was previously hit by a pitch to get on base. Ledbetter stole second and Spurlin walked with only one out on the Bruins. Audrey Lyle walked and the bases were loaded with one out. Freshman Emily Cockrill came in clutch with a double to score Ledbetter and Spurlin.
The Bruins brought in Freshman Emma Summers to finish out the game. The Bruins finished the fifth allowing a single run and three run homerun and a single causing 2 RBI 7-6. Summers ended the inning striking out the final two batters.
The Bruins were unable to come back in the top of the seventh. Overall a great effort by Belmont tonight. The Bruins tallied six runs, six hits, and three RBI in the matchup. Lucky for the Bruins they will have another chance to compete against FGCU tomorrow.
Up Next:
The Bruins compete against Boston College at 11:45 a.m. CT and FGCU at 4:00 p.m. CT.
Follow Belmont Softball on social media - @BelmontSoftball on Twitter and @belmontsoftball on Instagram - for complete coverage of the Bruins. Stay up to date with all of Belmont's athletic programs via the official app of the Belmont Bruins, available both in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.
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