FAYETTE, Mo. – The Campbellsville University Lady Tigers faced a tough start to their NAIA Softball National Championship Opening Round campaign, as their offense struggled to ignite in a 4-0 loss to the University of Tennessee Southern Firehawks at the Cox Softball Complex on the campus of Central Methodist University.
The Lady Tigers trailed early as the Firehawks put up a three-run first inning and never relinquished the lead. Campbellsville's bats were quieted mainly throughout the contest, managing only two hits against a strong pitching performance from the opposition.
Campbellsville's best scoring chances were limited.
Hannah Hackworth delivered a single to left field in the bottom of the third inning, providing a brief spark. Later, in the fifth,
Caroline Pitcock singled to center field. Hackworth also reached on a fielder's choice in the fifth and showcased her speed by stealing second base, but the Lady Tigers could not capitalize and bring runners home, leaving six stranded on base throughout the game.
The Firehawks got on the board quickly at the top of the first. An RBI double brought in the first run, and a subsequent two-RBI single extended their lead to 3-0. UT Southern added their final run in the third inning on an RBI fielder's choice.
Emily Reynolds started in the circle for Campbellsville and took the loss. She worked one inning, allowing three earned runs on four hits while striking out one batter.
Leah Holland entered in relief and pitched six solid innings for the Lady Tigers, surrendering one earned run on five hits and striking out three Firehawk batters. Holland effectively kept UT Southern from extending their lead, but the early damage proved decisive as Campbellsville's offense couldn't find its rhythm.
For Tennessee Southern, their starting pitcher went the distance, tossing a complete game shutout. She allowed just the two Campbellsville hits and two walks while recording nine strikeouts. Offensively, the Firehawks tallied nine hits, including two doubles, and drove in four runs.
Though they lost, Campbellsville stays alive and awaits news of their next opponent they'll face on Tuesday, May 13th at 1 p.m. ET.
