Softball Records first MVC Win over the Redbirds

NASHVILLE, Tenn.-- Belmont University Softball defeated their first Missouri Valley Conference opponent, Illinois State 4-1 in an exciting conference opener. 

The Bruins improved their record to 14-9 on the season after a great night at E.S. Rose Park. 

Pitcher, Maya Johnson, earned her 100th strikeout of the season in 15 appearances in the circle. Johnson added another 15 strikeouts against the Redbirds to finalize the day with 111. 

Belmont produced four runs on seven hits to secure the victory. 

How it Happened
Johnson kept the defense sound tonight striking out 4 consecutive batters between the first and second innings. 

Brenna Blume led off the second inning with a beautiful triple. Baie Ensio walked then stole second to have two runners in scoring position for the first time on the day. Kailey Brown sent a double through the pocket to left field to score MyKayla Spurlin who pinch ran for Blume and Ensio. Kaley Varner tripled to score Brown and go up 3-0 over the Redbirds. 

Blume came in clutch again in the bottom of the fifth to score Nicole Hughes who reached earlier in the inning on a single. 

The Redbirds attempted a comeback in the bottom of the seventh but Belmont remained composed to keep the lead. An RBI single from Hanna Hicks scored the Redbirds' only run of the game. Johnson closed out the inning with two final strikeouts to earn her ninth win of the season. 

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