Softball Splits Opening Day of MVC Play with UIC

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont University Softball team opened Missouri Valley Conference play Friday at E.S. Rose Park, splitting a doubleheader with UIC. Belmont powered past the Flames 9–1 in five innings in game one before dropping a tight 2-3 contest in game two. 

VS UIC – Game 1 (9–1, 5 inn.) 

Belmont's offense set the tone early. Nicole Hughes doubled to center field in the bottom of the first to drive in Rylee Spindler, giving the Bruins a 1–0 lead. 

The Bruins broke the game open in the third inning. Maddie Balsiger doubled to left field to plate Madison Dolecki, while Lydia Vanderwoude drew a walk that later resulted in an RBI after advancing on a wild pitch. Brenna Blume followed with an RBI fielder's choice before Daria Haynie stole second as Vanderwoude swiped home, pushing Belmont's lead to 5–0. 

Belmont sealed the run-rule victory in the fifth inning. Blume delivered a two-RBI single to left field before Emily Konz doubled to left center to drive in two more runs, ending the game at 9–1. 

In the circle, Maya Johnson allowed just three hits and one unearned run while striking out eight in the five-inning complete game. Johnson improved to 9–1 on the season. 

VS UIC – Game 2 (2–3) 

Belmont struck first again in game two as Rylee Spindler tripled to center field in the opening inning to score Vanderwoude and give the Bruins a 1–0 advantage. 

UIC answered in the third inning with an RBI double to tie the game before taking the lead in the fifth on a two-run home run. 

The Bruins cut the deficit in the sixth when Madison Dolecki launched a solo home run, bringing Belmont within one at 3–2, but the Flames held on to secure the win. 

Hannah Leierer started in the circle for Belmont, allowing one run over four innings. Mackenzie Willis tossed the final three frames and took the loss, moving to 2–2 on the season. 

Up Next 

Belmont and UIC conclude the series Saturday with the final game moved up due to expected weather. First pitch is now set for 10 a.m. CT at E.S. Rose Park. Live stats will be available on gobelmontbruins.com, and the game will not be streamed due to the schedule change. 

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.