NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont University Softball Program (14-8) went head-to-head with Northern Iowa (12-9) in game one of the conference opening series. The Bruins came up just short 1-3 in 10 innings. In just their third all-time meeting and first within the MVC, Belmont battled with the reigning conference champions proving to start an exciting series.
How it Happened
Maya Johnson, recent MVC Pitcher of the Week, started an impressive game in the circle with three strikeouts in the top of the first. The Bruins followed with a three up, three down inning in the bottom of the first.
Belmont started to get some movement on the bases in the bottom of the second.
Savannah Halterman pinch ran for
Grace Gressly and went on to steal second and third. Halterman's base running put Belmont in scoring position, but the Bruins were unable to bring her home ending the second scoreless.
Johnson tallied two more strikeouts in the top of the third while leaving the Panthers looking for their first hit.
Ella Bertucci added a single in the bottom of the third for the Bruins. Despite recording their first hit of the game, Belmont was unable to bring in a run.
The Bruins continued their strong defensive effort to keep the Panthers scoreless in the fourth inning.
Brenna Blume singled up the left side in the bottom of the fourth, but Belmont was unable to bring her home. The score remained knotted at 0-0 heading into the fifth.
Both teams continued to put up tough defense in the fifth. The Bruins and Panthers stayed locked at 0-0 at the end of the inning.
In the top of the sixth, Johnson recorded her ninth strikeout of the night keeping the Panthers scoreless. The Bruins faced another three up, three down inning in the sixth.
Belmont and UNI were unable to bring in a winning run during the seventh to push the game into extra innings.
Ellie Giles entered the circle to relieve Johnson in the top of the eighth. Johnson tallied 11 strikeouts while only allowing one hit and two walks in seven innings of work.
UNI started to get their bats moving in the top of the eighth. With Panthers in scoring position on second and third, Belmont was able to secure a third out preventing a UNI run. The Bruins weren't able to record a hit or run in the bottom of the eighth sending the game to a ninth inning.
The Panthers put together another effort to get on the board first as they loaded bases in the top of the ninth. With their backs against the wall, the Bruins were able to record two straight outs to keep the score at zeros.
Belmont threatened to take the game as they advanced
Nicole Hughes to third off a double from Blume. Although Belmont had runners in scoring position, the Bruins were unable to drive in a run.
The teams remained knotted at 0-0 heading into the tenth inning. After three straight walks, UNI had bases loaded. Giles walked another batter resulting in the first run of the game. The Panthers took a 0-1 lead. UNI would score again after a passed ball. Down 0-2,
Rayna Cruickshanks entered the circle to relieve Giles. UNI recorded a sac bunt to bring in their third and final run of the game.
The Bruins headed into the bottom of the tenth down 0-3. Bertucci walked followed by a single from
Emma Barnes. With runners on first and second, UNI walked
Baie Ensio to leave the bases loaded with Bruins. Hughes stepped into the batter's box and added an RBI single to put the Bruins on the board. Despite the late offensive effort, Belmont came up just short 1-3 in an absolute marathon 10 innings.
Up Next
Belmont and UNI will continue the series tomorrow at 2 p.m. CT. Live stats will be available on belmontbruins.com. Live stream will be available on ESPN+.
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