HAMMOND, La. – The University at Buffalo softball team began its 2017 season on Friday with a pair of defeats at the Lion Classic II, hosted by Southeastern Louisiana. UB fell 9-1 in five innings to Southeastern Louisiana in the opener and then lost 4-0 to Morehead State in the second game.
In the first game of the season, the Bulls got out to the quick start as they loaded the bases with nobody out in the first inning, but were unable to score. The host Lions answered by scoring two in the first, four in the second, and two in the third to take the 8-0 lead.
Neither team scored in the fourth and the Bulls got on the board scoring their first run of the year in the top of the fifth. Sophomore Alyssa Cuevas opened the inning with a double to right center and she came in to score on a single from senior Ashton Earnhardt. Southeastern Louisiana scored a run in the bottom of the fifth for the run-rule victory.
Senior Savanna Norcio drew a pair of walks in the game, while Cuevas, Earnhardt, and sophomore Catrell Robertson all picked up hits in the fifth inning. Sophomore Brieanna Baker recorded the loss.
In the second game, the Bulls got some solid pitching from senior Bobbi Langlois as she kept the opponent off the board early, but then Morehead State struck for four runs in the third inning to take the lead and the Bulls were unable to find the scoring column.
Norcio walked two more times in the second game, picking up four walks on the first day of action. Junior Leandra Jew had two of the three hits for Buffalo, while freshman Jenelle Martinez picked up her first career hit.
Langlois picked up the loss as she went the distance allowing four runs and striking out four batters.
The Bulls return to action Saturday at the Lion Classic II with two more games. UB will face Texas-Arlington at noon and Alcorn State at 4 p.m.
from UBBulls.com via IFTTT
