The UTM softball team kicked off the 2020 season at the Southeastern Louisiana Lion Classic in Hammond, Louisiana on Feb. 7, splitting two matchups against the University of Buffalo Bulls and Alabama State Hornets.
The Skyhawks’ first matchup was a close 3-4 loss to the Bulls out of Buffalo. New York. UTM had a seemingly safe 3-0 lead going into the sixth inning, with the Skyhawks scoring in the first and fifth innings and holding the Hornets scoreless throughout. However, the Skyhawks collapsed defensively in the sixth inning, as the Bulls reeled off four unanswered runs to seal off the comeback.
The orange and blue crew wasted no time in getting on the scoreboard early on this season. Junior outfielder (OF) sent Shyanne Sheffield recorded the first run-batted-in (RBI) of the season with a bunt that sent fellow junior OF Paige Clark to home base and put sophomore infielder (IF) Chelsey Gore on third.
Senior OF Aalia Bivens earned her first RBI shortly after, hitting a double that sent Gore home to give UTM a 2-0 lead at the end of the first inning.
Innings two, three and four went without any offense from either side. Sheffield ended the scoring drought in the bottom of the fifth with a single that sent junior IF Madelyn Dycus home and put sophomore OF Chayse Skinner on third. However, this would be the last time the Skyhawks made it on the scoreboard against the Bulls.
After not getting on the board in the first five innings, Buffalo pulled off an improbable four-run inning that was capped off by a two-run home run. UTM was unable to respond on their next, and last, offensive opportunity, and the Bulls escaped with the win.
Sophomore pitcher Erin Gallagher, who was ultimately credited with the loss, went without a hit for five innings until the sixth inning came around, where she allowed four runs. Junior pitcher Seeley Layne, who made her first appearance at the mound for the Skyhawks since 2018, relieved Gallagher in the seventh inning.
After the loss, UTM set their sights on the Alabama State Hornets for the second match of the day. The Skyhawks built up another lead, with five runs scored in the third and fourth innings.
The Skyhawks drew first blood in the third, with Bivens scoring her first run of the 2020 season thanks to a single by Clark. Dycus, who advanced to third off of Clark’s single, made her way home off of a wild pitch shortly after. Clark eventually made it to home base after a bunt by Gore that resulted in the latter being out at first base, giving the Skyhawks a 3-0 lead.
UTM didn’t take their foot off the gas in the fourth, with a wild pitch by the Hornets giving UTM a 4-0 lead. Junior IF Lex Rogers, who walked earlier in the inning, scored following a single by Dycus, solidifying the game’s final score of 5-0.
Senior pitcher Hannah Ridolfi played a crucial role in UTM’s stout defensive effort, allowing 0 runs, striking out three batters and allowed only three hits over five innings pitched.
The softball squad will continue their participation in the Classic tomorrow with a rematch against the Hornets and a matchup with host school Southeastern Louisiana.
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