Softball Takes First Game of UIC Series in a Nine-Inning Contest

Box Score CHICAGO, Ill.-- Belmont University Softball defeated the University of Illinois Chicago 2-0, in a nine inning duel for the first contest of the series. 

The Bruins take the win after a scoreless eight innings to improve their record to 19-14. 

How it Happened
The Bruins started off the matchup strongly, loading the bases in the first inning on singles from Emma Barnes and Emily Cockrill and a walk from Abi Ledbetter. 

Varner posted a single in the second but was caught stealing for the third out of the inning. 

Maya Johnson threw a no hitter until the 7th inning allowing a single. No damage in the run column, Johnson struck out the final batter of the inning to bring the Bruins into extra innings. In her time in the circle Johnson posted 11 strikeouts on the day. 

Emma Summers was called into the circle to close out the game in the eighth.

Two outs in the top of the ninth for the Bruins, Brenna Blume at the plate sends one to the back left corner of the wall for a stand up double. Baie Ensio came up clutch to bring Ally Turner home, who pinch ran for Blume and ended the scoring drought. Baie Ensio capitalized on an error from the Flames shortstop to add an additional run for the Bruins. 

Three straight strikeouts in the ninth from Summers, the Bruins took the first game of the series. 

Up Next: The Bruins will face the UIC Flames in their second meeting Friday, April 7 at 5 p.m. CT. 

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