NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont University Softball Program (14-9, 0-2 MVC) clashed with Northern Iowa (13-9, 2-0 MVC) in game two of the weekend series. Despite a late run, the Bruins fell to the Panthers 4-8.
How it Happened
Northern Iowa got off to a quick start in the first inning. Alexis Pupillo double to right in the first at bat of the game. An RBI single by the Panthers would later bring Pupillo across home to take an early 0-1 lead.
Nicole Hughes responded with a home run in the bottom of the first. The short stop's home run marks her fourth this season. With the run from Hughes, the Bruins evened the score at 1-1 heading into the second.
The Panthers added another hit in the top of the second, but the Bruins were able to secure three outs to prevent another UNI run.
Lauren Luciani and
Abi Ledbetter each recorded a single in the bottom of the second. With two runners on base, Belmont was unable to drive in a run leaving the score at 1-1 at the end of the second.
UNI broke things open in the third. The Panthers added four runs to take a 1-5 lead.
The Panthers would add another two runs in the top of the fourth extending their lead to 1-7.
Belmont struggled to get things moving offensively until the bottom of the fifth.
Indy Cockrill doubled through the left side followed by a single from
Daria Haynie. Haynie's single was the sophomores first at bat and hit of the season. Although the Bruins got on base, they weren't able to bring anyone home.
UNI went on to record their final run in the top of the sixth.
Down 1-8, the Bruins started to chip away at the Panthers' lead.
Emily Cockrill added an RBI single to add a run for Belmont in the bottom of the sixth.
Belmont's defense prevented UNI from scoring in the seventh. Haynie stepped into the batter's box and tallied another single.
Emma Barnes later reached on a fielder's choice while Haynie advanced to second. Hughes came up with another single to load the bases with Bruins.
Grace Gressly stepped up and recorded an RBI single to bring Haynie home while keeping the bases loaded.
Brenna Blume later added an RBI sacrifice fly to add a fourth run for Belmont.
Despite the late run from the Bruins, Belmont ultimately fell 4-8.
Up Next
Belmont and UNI will conclude the series tomorrow at 12 p.m. CT. Live stats will be available on belmontbruins.com. Live stream will be available on ESPN+.
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