NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont University Softball team (18–7, 5–1) completed a series sweep of the University of Evansville Purple Aces with a 2–0 victory Saturday at E.S. Rose Park. The win marks Belmont's first sweep of Missouri Valley Conference play this season, improving the Bruins to 5–1 in conference action.
Belmont's offense was led by Lydia Vanderwoude, who scored both runs in the contest, while Nicole Hughes and Madison Dolecki each drove in a run.
VS Evansville (2–0)
The Bruins opened the scoring in the first inning when Hughes doubled up the middle to bring home Vanderwoude and give Belmont an early 1–0 lead.
Belmont added a run in the fifth inning as Dolecki grounded out to shortstop, allowing Vanderwoude to score her second run of the game, after a stolen base, and extend the lead to 2–0.
Vanderwoude paced the Bruins offensively with two hits, two runs scored, and a stolen base, while Hughes added a hit, an RBI, and a walk.
Belmont had several opportunities to extend the lead with the bases loaded but was unable to capitalize, though the early runs proved enough to secure the victory.
In the circle, Maya Johnson delivered another dominant outing. Johnson tossed a complete-game shutout, allowing just three hits while striking out 16 batters. The win improved Johnson to 12–1 on the season, and she now has 178 strikeouts on the year.
Up Next
Belmont heads on the road for its first conference road series against Bradley University. The teams will open with a doubleheader Friday, March 20 beginning at 2:30 p.m. CT, followed by a single game Saturday at 2 p.m. CT at OSF Healthcare Field at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex.
Follow Belmont softball on social media — @BelmontSoftball on Twitter, @belmontsoftball on Instagram, and Belmont Bruins Softball on Facebook — for complete coverage. Stay up to date with all Belmont athletics through the official Belmont Bruins app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
