GULF SHORES, Ala. - Campbellsville rallied hard in its initial game against Belhaven University, defeating the team in extra innings (7-4), but was unable to make up for a three-run first inning from Thomas Univeristy (Ga.). The split puts Campbellsville University at 2-2 in the Gulf Shores Invitational and 10-7 overall entering the single-elimination bracket play of the tournament.
Campbellsville 7, Belhaven 4
The Lady Tigers used 11 hits, including two home runs, to rally their way to an eight-inning 7-4 victory over Belhaven Saturday afternoon, March 9. CU was down by two runs in the top of the seventh, but designated hitter Taylor Borders tied the score up with a two-run homer, helping the Lady Tigers into an extra inning. Senior Emma Napier led CU once again with three doubles on the afternoon.
Coming into the contest, Belhaven, now 8-2, had only dropped one game, against Mid-South Conference undefeated opponent, Lindsey Wilson College. Campbellsville lost to Belhaven earlier this season.
Freshman CU pitcher Victoria Decker was in the circle for all eight innings, striking out seven Blazer batters.
BU grabbed the first run on the board after a free-base was given to Shelby Watson on a walk in the bottom of the second. Lady Blazer Jessica Paris hit a line drive up the middle for the RBI (1-0 BU).
Campbellsville tied the score up when right fielder Kristen Benton reached first on an error in third inning followed by a shot to right-center from Alyssa Barker for a double and RBI (1-1). Barker ended the day 2-4 in the box.
Two more runs were plated for BU after a Watson homer in the fourth and a couple strung together hits in the fifth (3-1).
CU answered once again though, this time with a home run over left field fence from sophomore catcher Sarah Paragon.
Three singles and a Lady Tiger error allowed two more runs for the Blazers to end the sixth inning ahead, 4-2.
The rally began with Napier in the seventh on a gap shot to right field for a double. Borders evened the scoreboard, 4-4, on a deep home run over the left field fence.
Campbellsville got a quick three outs, the final being on a Decker backwards K to bring the team into the extra inning of play.
Heather Oakley was put on second to begin the inning in order to conform to the International Tiebreaker Rule. The junior was advanced to third after a sacrifice bunt from Brooke Boils which prepared the way for freshman Shelby Ray to lay down a squeeze bunt for the RBI.
Ray's placement of the ball caused the pitcher and catcher to collide and go without making a play, allowing the freshman to push across the run while also arriving to first safely.
Napier followed, proving to be clutch yet again by hitting her third double of the game. Ray took three bases on the hit, outrunning BU's throw home. Catcher Mandy Fuller attempted to relay the ball back to third base to tag Napier out on the advancement, but made a wild throw, allowing the Scottsville, Ky. native to steal home and put CU ahead by three, 7-4.
A strike-out combined with two plays by Boils at third base gave Campbellsville the victory.
Thomas 5, Campbellsville 2
Three runs from Thomas University in the top of the first inning set the tone for the rest of contest against CU. Campbellsville managed only three hits as opposed to Thomas' nine.
The Lady Night Hawks immediately strung together a few hits, including two singles, a double, and squeeze bunt for the quick 3-0 lead over CU.
First baseman Heather Oakley made some offensive noise in the bottom of the second, hitting a double down the left field line. The first baseman proceeded to steal third base and took home on the wild throw, giving Campbellsville its first run of the game.
With two outs in the top of the third, CU pitcher Taylor Wroe gave up a solo home run to Taylor Nicolosi. Courtney Turpin relieved Wroe in the fourth holding TU scoreless until the seventh inning when one run was allowed (5-1).
Thomas fielding mistakes worked in Lady Tiger advantage one again after a free base was give to Sarah Paragon and an error by the right fielder put Kristen Benton on first. A wild throw followed, allowing Paragon to score and Benton to advance to second. Unfortunately three batters struck out in the inning, giving Thomas the 5-2 win.
Oakley, Taylor Borders, and Kacie Vincent were the only CU players to get hits.
After pool play, Campbellsville will begin the single-elimination portion of the tournament tomorrow, competing in the silver bracket. They will face Central Methodist College at 9 a.m. EDT. To follow the team, go to www.campbellsvilletigers.com.
