Softball Splits on NFCA Opening Day

Columbus, Georgia- The Brenau softball team lost to #15 Freed Hardeman 8-1 but rallied to defeat Lawrence Tech 6-5 on the opening day of the NFCA Leadoff Classic on Friday.

In the opener against Freed Hardeman, the game stayed close through five innings as Brenau starter Sarah Shaw battled to keep the Lions in check. With a 2-0 Lions lead, the Golden Tigers finally got on the board as sophomore Abigail Brown singled to left field to score Kasey Blair to cut the lead in half.

However, the Lions broke open the game with six runs in the top of the seventh inning to pull away with the win.

Brown led the Golden Tigers with two hits and an RBI, while Blair and Hannah Patridge each added a hit.

Shaw pitched 6.2 innings for the Golden Tigers, allowing 12 hits and seven earned runs in the loss.

Against Lawrence Tech, sophomore Carley Cox doubled to right center to drive in two, then scored on a passed ball to help the Golden Tigers win 6-5.

After the Blue Devils scored two runs in the top of the first inning, Brenau answered as senior Shea Reagor doubled to drive in two to even the score at 2-2.

The Golden Tigers took the lead in the bottom of the fourth as freshman Madison Morris drove in Cox for a 3-2 lead.

The lead was short-lived as Lawrence Tech scored three unearned runs in the top of the fifth to regain the lead. However, the Golden Tigers answered in the bottom of the fifth to escape with a 6-5 victory.

Brenau starter Paige Downing threw all seven innings, allowing ten hits and three earned runs to earn the win.

Brenau (2-2 overall, 1-1 AAC) plays two games on Saturday including games against Ave Maria (Fla.) University at 3:30 pm and Aquinas (Mich.) College at 5:30.