Softball Secures Series Win Over Maryland

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont University Softball Program (12-7, 0-0 MVC) concluded the weekend series against Maryland (7-9, 0-0 B1G) in dominate fashion with a 9-1 win in five innings. Saturday's win marks the Bruins fourth win over a power four opponent this season.
 
How it Happened
Rayna Cruickshanks got the start in the circle Saturday afternoon. The pitcher caught two batters swinging in the top of the first to record her first strikeouts of the day. The Bruins had a one-two-three first inning to leave the score at zeros heading into the second.
 
The Terps recorded their first hit of the day in the top of the second. The Bruin defense stepped up to prevent a run from Maryland. Emily Cockrill led off the second inning for Belmont with a double to center field. Lauren Luciani later drove in 2 RBI to give the Bruins a 2-0 lead heading into the third.
 
Neither team brought in a run in the third to keep Belmont ahead by two.
 
Maryland closed the gap with a run in the top of the fourth making the score 1-2. Belmont responded with five more runs in the bottom of the fourth to extend their lead at 7-1. The Bruins' five-run inning featured a huge 2 RBI single from Nicole Hughes.
 
The Bruins continued to play tough defense to hold the Terps to just one run for the game. After four walks in the top of the fifth, Belmont added two more runs to secure a 9-1 win in five innings.
 
Cruickshanks had an impressive outing in the circle only allowing five hits and one run. The Bruins also had a strong showing on offense with 10 batters reaching base and seven recording a hit.
 
Belmont will continue their homestand on Wednesday against rival Lipscomb at 4 p.m. CT. Follow live stats on belmontbruins.com. 
 
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