ATHENS, Ga. – The Belmont University Softball team split day two of the Red and Black Classic hosted by the University of Georgia on Saturday. The Bruins opened the day with a 3-0 shutout victory over Missouri State before falling to host Georgia, 0-12, at Jack Turner Stadium.
VS Missouri State (3-0)
Belmont broke through offensively in the bottom of the third inning. Nicole Hughes drew a walk to start the frame before Rylee Spindler added a single up the middle to put runners on first and second. Maddy Balsiger reached on a fielder's choice, allowing Hughes to advance to third.
With two runners in scoring position, Lydia VanderWoude delivered the strong swing, ripping a two-run triple to right field to give the Bruins an early 2-0 lead.
The Bruins added a run in the bottom of the fifth. Spindler reached base after being hit by a pitch and later came around to score on an RBI fielder's choice from Lizzie Ozim, extending Belmont's lead to 3-0.
Belmont's pitching staff was dominant throughout the contest. Hannah Leierer earned the win after tossing 5.0 scoreless innings and striking out five. Ellie Giles closed the game with 2.0 innings of relief, allowing no runs and striking out three to secure the shutout.
VS Georgia (0-12)
The Bruins struggled to find momentum against a strong Georgia lineup and defense. Belmont made solid contact throughout the game but was unable to string hits together as the Bulldogs jumped out to an early lead.
Mackenzie Willis made the start in the circle and took the loss, pitching 0.2 innings. Anna Caskey followed in relief, throwing 2.1 innings, while Tallulah Eichholz finished the game with a scoreless inning to close out the contest.
Despite the final score, Belmont continued to battle throughout the game against the host Bulldogs.
Up Next
Belmont will return to action on Sunday, Feb. 8 for day three of the Red and Black Classic, with a rematch against Georgia at 12 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN/SEC Network+.
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