NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Belmont softball's rally came up just short Saturday evening as the Bruins were edged, 4-2, by Tennessee State at Tiger Field.
Trailing, 3-0, heading into the fourth inning, the Bruins dented the scoreboard for the first time on the evening after an RBI single to center field from freshman shortstop Jess Andree (Darien, Ill.) allowed junior Jordan Daly (Humble, Texas) to cross home plate.
Down 3-1 in the top of the fifth, sophomore Kayla Wells (Bonney Lake, Wash.) recorded BU's biggest hit of the game off a leadoff triple to left center field. The triple was the outfielder's first of her career. Wells was stranded, however, as the Bruins failed to drive her home and cut into TSU's advantage.
Tennessee State (11-35, 4-21 OVC) added a run to their advantage in the bottom of the sixth after the Tigers loaded the bases with just a single out.
With a pair of outs in the top of the seventh, the Bruins used RBI singles from both Chelsey Deloney (Gardendale, Ala.) and Jessica Wilson (Alvin, Texas) to pull within a single run. A groundout ended BU's rally attempt, however, as the Tigers held on for the 4-3 victory.
Despite the loss, the Bruins outhit TSU, 10-7, on the evening. BU's Kayla Wells and Jess Andree led the Bruin offensive effort as the underclassmen duo both finished 2-for-3 at the plate.
With three at-bats on the contest, senior Kat Hollingsworth (Carrollton, Texas) moved into second place with 542 for her career.
Belmont (11-32, 5-17 OVC) wraps the series and its 2015 season campaign tomorrow with a double header contest with the Tigers. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. at Tiger Field.
