Softball Wins Both Matchups to Close out the Troy Classic

TROY, Ala. -- Belmont University defeated both Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (7-3) and Troy University (4-2, 8 innings) to sweep the opening weekend. Varner blasted 2 home runs on the day while Brenna Blume and Nicole Hughes added their first career home runs to their name. 

After Saturday's game cancellations due to heavy rain in Troy, Alabama the Bruins were eager to get started on Sunday. 

Game 1
The Bruins defeated the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougars 7-3 in a home run affair in today's first matchup. 

Belmont secured the first lead of the game going up 1 over the Cougars in the third. Kaley  Varner reached first on a single, a SIUE throwing error advanced Varner to second. Emma Barnes came up with a single to put Varner at third. Freshman Daria Haynie flew out and Varners speed got the Bruins first run of the day. 

The Bruins loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth but were unable to create a play home. The Cougars scored all 3 of their runs in the top of the fourth. SIUE posted 2 doubles a single and 2 walks. Giles entered in the fourth and struck out two batters to end the inning. 

Belmont began their home run derby in the sixth. Ensio at first on a fielder's choice. Brenna Blume blasted a 2 RBI home run to tie the game 3-3. Varner secured the lead with a homerun of her own to follow, 4-3. 

A hit by pitch for Daria Haynie and a walk for Grace Gressly set the stage for Nicole Hughes 3 RBI first career home run. The Cougars were unable to come back, Belmont took the game with a 7-3 decision. 

Two freshman pitchers saw the circle against SIUE. Ellie Giles earned her first career start pitching into the third inning. Giles recorded three strikeouts in her first appearance. Maya Johnson closed out the game earning another win to her name. Johnson tallied seven strikeouts 


Game 2 

The Bruins faced more of a challenge in the second meeting against the Trojans. Belmont defeated Troy 4-2 in extra innings. 

Emily Cockrill sent a single down the left side to start the Bruins up in the third. Ensio laid down a successful bunt to move Cockrill and earn herself a base. Barnes grounded to first base, a throwing error to second for the double play brought Cockrill home. 

Belmont delivered in the fourth with a throw from Leftielder Baie Ensio to make a play at home. The Cougars loaded the bases but the Bruins were able to get out of the inning without any damage. 

Varner sent out her second home run of the day in the fifth to extend the lead for the Bruins, 2-0. 

Troy countered in the fifth with a triple and a ground out to get on the board. Troy tied the game  2-2 in the seventh with a homerun from the Trojan's Libby Baker. 

The Bruins entered extra innings confident, Ensio came in clutch to take the lead back with a single to score Cockrill. A dropped fly error scored Ensio to put the Bruins up 4-2 over the Trojans. 

Maya Johnson closed out the game for Belmont to earn her second win of the day and third of the weekend. Johnson now posts a 0.58 ERA. 

Emma Summers pitched 6 innings in today's meeting with the Trojans to close out with a 2.10 ERA. 

A great showing for the Bruins this weekend in all three wins. Belmont will be back next weekend at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazer Bash. 

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