NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont University Softball Program (15-9, 1-2 MVC) rounded out the conference opening series on Sunday against Northern Iowa (13-10, 2-1 MVC). The Bruins topped the Panthers 4-0 to finish a competitive series 1-2.
How it Happened
Maya Johnson started in the circle again for the Bruins. The pitcher recorded two early strikeouts in the top of the first to leave the Panthers scoreless. In the bottom of the first,
Nicole Hughes added a single up the left side.
Brenna Blume later recorded a single to get two Bruins on base. Although the Belmont bats showed some early signs of movement, the Bruins were unable to bring a run home.
Belmont had a strong defensive showing to force UNI three up, three down in the top of the second. With a fielder's choice and walk, the Bruins had two on base. Belmont saw similar results to the previous inning leaving two runners stranded with the score still at zeros heading into the third.
Once again, the Bruins recorded three straight outs in the top of the third. Belmont went on to finish the third scoreless leaving the game knotted at 0-0 heading into the fourth.
Johnson tallied two more strikeouts in the top of the fourth as the Belmont defense continued to hold UNI scoreless. The Bruin offense started to get hot in the bottom of the fourth.
Emily Cockrill led off the inning with a double to left field.
Lauren Luciani followed with a single while E. Cockrill advanced to third.
Baie Ensio pinch ran for Luciani and would later reach second base off a passed ball leaving runners on second and third for Belmont. With a sacrifice fly,
Abi Ledbetter brought home E. Cockrill to give the Bruins their first run of the game. Belmont took a 1-0 lead at the end of the fourth.
The Bruins forced the Panthers to another three up, three down inning in the fifth. Hughes added another single in the bottom of the fifth, but Belmont was unable to bring her home.
Johnson continued to stay hot as she recorded her tenth strikeout of the game in the top of the sixth. With another impressive defensive inning, the Bruins stayed ahead at 1-0 heading into the bottom of the sixth.
Belmont broke things open late in the sixth. With two outs on the board,
Indy Cockrill stepped into the batter's box and singled up the middle. I. Cockrill advanced to second after a passed ball. The Panthers then walked
Ella Bertucci while I. Cockrill went on to steal third. Bertucci followed by stealing second to put runners in scoring position on second and third.
Grace Gressly stepped up and recorded a 2 RBI single extending the Bruins' lead to 3-0. Hughes later recorded an RBI single to bring in the final run of the day for Belmont.
The Bruins recorded three quick outs in the seventh to secure a 4-0 win over the Panthers. Johnson's impressive bout in the circle held UNI scoreless while only allowing one hit.
Up Next
Belmont will continue conference play as they host Murray State on Tuesday at 4 p.m. CT at E.S. Rose Park. Live stats will be available on belmontbruins.com. Live stream will be available on ESPN+.
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