GULF SHORES, Ala. – The Lady Tigers softball team continued their expedition at the Gulf Coast Invitational Saturday afternoon. Campbellsville matched against Thomas University (Ga.) and #4 Southeastern University. After struggling at the plate, the Lady Tigers lost to the Night Hawks 4-3 and to the Fire 4-2.
GAME ONE: Campbellsville 3, Thomas 4
To begin the contest, Thomas University did work at the plate to exchange one hit for a run. Campbellsville did not retaliate in their time at the plate. The Night Hawks singled and lined out to the outfield, but Campbellsville allowed no runs to come across. In the bottom of the second, Ashby Murt singled to leadoff. However, the next three batters returned to the dugout without a hit.
The Lady Tigers struck back in the bottom of the third inning. Riley Hurst reached first on a throwing error from the second baseman. Hurst made her way around the bases as Lexi Miller solidified a sacrifice fly. As Payton bladed grounded out to the shortstop, Hurst ran in to score.
Allison Bush came into the competition to relieve Courtney Patterson on the mound. An RBI double took the lead for the Night Hawks. However, Bush poised a backward K to retire the top of the inning. Morgan Carter entered the contest to pinch hit in the Lady Tigers' time at the plate. Carter reached first on an error and advanced to third as Kaeleigh Tuck doubled to right field. Once Hurst doubled, the Lady Tigers added two more runs to their score and took back the lead.
Thomas University retaliated in the sixth inning. After a single through the left side, the Night Hawks opted for a bunt play. The bases quickly loaded after another single. Thomas University composed two more runs in the next two at-bats to place the Lady Tigers at a deficit again. Campbellsville failed in their attempt to scratch back and fell 4-3 to the Night Hawks.
Hurst led the way batting a .500 while collecting two RBIs. Miller also batted .500.
GAME TWO: Campbellsville 2, Southeastern 4
The Lady Tigers started hot with two singles delivered by Murt and Miller. However, the two were stranded on the bases as the Fire finished Campbellsville's offensive stretch. Southeastern made an appearance as they placed runners into scoring position. An RBI single scored one run for the Fire.
Southeastern's next time at the plate, the Fire scored another run with a sacrifice RBI. Campbellsville struggled to muster up the runs to scratch back. The Lady Tigers quickly accomplished two outs in the bottom of the third inning. However, a few singles from the Fire resulted in two more runs for their score. Campbellsville now suffered a 4-0 discrepancy.
Campbellsville had a change of pace in the fourth inning. The first three batters, Caroline Pitcock, Morgan Carter, and Payton Blades, loaded the bases. Brea Croslin flew out to center field, which allowed Pitcock to come across. Moments later, Campbellsville loaded up the bases again. The Lady Tigers capitalized off a Southeastern error as Blades scored. The Fire collected their third out, leaving three Lady Tigers on the bases.
The rest of the competition was stagnant as neither team could advance further. Campbellsville fell to #4 Southeastern University 4-2.
Murt led the way for the Tigers by collecting two hits in her four at-bats. Pitcock's three at-bats resulted in a hit and a run.
The Lady Tigers will end their trek in the Gulf Coast Invitational tomorrow afternoon. Campbellsville competes against Xavier University of Louisiana beginning at 10 a.m. ET and Texas A&M - Texarkana at 12:15 p.m. ET.
