Softball Falls In SSAC Tourney Opener
The Brenau softball team lost in the opening round of the Southern States Athletic Conference tournament to #5 seeded Bethel (Tenn.) University 5-1 on Wednesday in Montgomery.
The #4 seeded Golden Tigers scored in the first inning for a 1-0 lead as Elizabeth Schneider singled down the left field line to score Kelsey Payne.
After being down 3-1 entering the bottom of the fifth, Mason Garland reached first on a Bethel error, then advanced to third on sacrifices by Landon Farrow and Allison Gunn. However the Wildcats' starter Brooke Baucum induced an inning-ending grounder to stop the potential run.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Golden Tigers found themselves with runners at second and third, but Baucum managed a pop up and a fly out to escape trouble and end the inning.
The Brenau offense only generated four hits as Payne led with two hits, while Schneider and Savannah Moore each added one hit in the loss.
Jessica Rathje pitched all seven innings to take the loss. The freshman allowed eight hits and four earned runs, while striking out eight.
Brenau will face 10th seeded Middle Georgia College on Friday at 10 am central in Montgomery.