Softball Falls in Both Games on the Final Day of the Tennessee Classic

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Belmont University Softball battled hard in both contests on the final day at the Tennessee Classic. The Bruins fell 5-4 in 10 innings against Jacksonville State and fell 7-1 to the University of Tennessee to break their nine game shutout streak. 

The Bruins now hold an 11-6 record after a competitive weekend in Knoxville. 

Emma Summers and Maya Johnson both saw action in the circle in both games. Together they produced 12 strikeouts on the day. 

How it Happened Game 1
Belmont faced Appalachian State in an exciting 10 inning battle for the Bruins' first game of the day. 

After a scoreless first two innings the Mountaineers were the first to get on the board in today's contest on a RBI single. 

The Bruins countered in the fourth inning Nicole Hughes reached on a double, advanced on a fly out, and scored on a wild pitch to tie the game. 

Appalachian State reinstated their lead with an RBI single. 

Bottom of the sixth the Bruins earned their first lead of the game. Hughes posted a second double to get into scoring position. Kaley Varner roped an RBI single to score Hughes. Varner came home herself on an RBI single from Abi Ledbetter to go up 3-2 over the Mountaineers.

Pressure on in the top of the seventh and Appalachian State's Kaley Coltrain delivered a solo homerun to tie the game again ultimately sending the contest into extra innings. 

The Bruins loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh in an attempt looking to walk off but fell just short. 

Top of the tenth, Hughes' throw from shortstop to home was originally called out, upon review the Mountaineers earned the game winning run. A close call at the plate and a great effort from the Bruins in a tough loss at the Tennessee Classic. 


How it Happened Game 2 

The Bruins held their own against the #7 nationally ranked Lady Volunteers in a 7-1 loss. 

Tennessee opened the game with a leadoff home run to set the tone. 

Bottom of the third the Lady Volunteers went up 5-0 from capitalizing on two singles, a double, and a fielding error.

Top of the fourth Belmont's Baie Ensio ended Payton Gottshall's 9 consecutive strikeout stint with a single for the first Bruin hit of the night.

Tennessee followed up with a run on a sacrifice fly in the fourth. 

Top of the sixth Hughes came in clutch again with her third double of the day to score Daria Haynie and end Tennessee's nine game consecutive shutout streak.

Tennessee finalized their scoring with a home run from Kiki Milloy in the bottom of the sixth.  

Up Next: The Bruins will compete at the Governors Classic at Austin Peay State University beginning Saturday, March 11 for the final non-conference weekend. 

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