PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Belmont University Softball Program (3-4, 0-0 MVC) opened the Littlewood Classic with a 13-3 win over Utah Valley (2-5, 0-0 WAC) in five innings. The Bruins then faced co-host Grand Canyon (8-1, 0-0 WAC) where they fell 1-6.
vs Utah Valley (13-3, 5 inn.)
Nicole Hughes got things started for the Bruins with a single through the right side. Utah Valley then walked back-to-back batters to leave the bases loaded with just one out.
Grace Gressly later added a 2 RBI single to help Belmont take an early 5-0 lead. The Wolverines responded with three runs of their own in the bottom of the first. The Bruins headed into the second up 5-3.
Rylee Spindler got in on the action with a single in the top of the second. After a couple more walks and a hit by pitch, the Bruins brought in two more runs to extend the lead at 7-3 heading into the third.
Neither team was able to score in the third as Belmont held on to a four-point lead.
The Bruins broke the game wide open in the fourth after adding six runs on five hits.
Lauren Luciani and Spindler led off the inning with a single each.
Baie Ensio later recorded a single off a bunt.
Emily Cockrill and Hughes also added singles to right field down the stretch. Belmont took a commanding 10-point lead heading into the fifth.
Belmont continued to apply pressure on defense to secure a 13-3 win over Utah Valley.
vs Grand Canyon (1-6)
Grand Canyon got on the board first as Belmont went down 0-1 heading into the second.
The Bruins started to get some action on offense as Spindler and Gressly each added a single. The runners advanced to second and third to put Belmont in scoring position. The Bruins were unable to bring either runner home to leave the score at 0-1 at the end of the second.
Maya Johnson recorded back-to-back strikeouts to keep the third inning scoreless. The Bruins remained within one after the third.
The Lopes broke the game open with four runs in the fourth to extend their lead at 0-5.
GCU would add another run in the bottom of the fifth.
Brenna Blume later recorded the first home run of the season for the Bruins to bring the game within five. Belmont eventually fell 1-6.
Belmont will continue tournament play against Weber State on Saturday at 1:45 p.m. CT. Livestats will be available on belmontbruins.com.
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