NORFOLK, Va. – The University at Buffalo softball team notched their first win of 2017 on Saturday as the Bulls split their two games at the Spartan Classic. UB defeated Hartford, 6-5, on Saturday morning before falling 4-0 to Norfolk State during the afternoon.
Hartford scored first in the top of the first, but the Bulls tied it up in the bottom of the third as freshman Gabby Keller singled through the right side to score junior Taylor Scott. The Bulls scored two in the bottom of the fourth as sophomore Alyssa Cuevas singled to right field, driving in a pair of runs and giving UB the 3-1 lead.
Hartford tied it up at 3-3 in the top of the fifth, but UB quickly answered back in the bottom of the inning, scoring three runs. Freshman Jessica Goldyn reached on a one-out single and stole second base. She came in to score as Essence Savinon singled up the middle and the ball was thrown away by the Hartford center fielder. UB scored two more runs on a Hartford defensive miscue to take a 6-3 lead.
Buffalo continued to hold the 6-3 lead into the top of the seventh when Hartford was able to score two runs, but the Bulls were able to come away with the win.
Senior Bobbi Langlois picked up the win as she allowed five runs, but just three earned, while striking out four. UB had 11 hits, including a perfect 3-for-3 game from Savinon. Keller and fellow freshman Jenelle Martinez each finished 2-for-3.
In the second game, Norfolk State held the Bulls off the scoreboard despite Buffalo outhitting their counterpart, 5-4. The Spartans took the lead in the bottom of the first on a sacrifice fly and added two more runs in the bottom of the third and one in the fourth to take the 4-0 lead.
UB scattered five hits, including two in the seventh inning, but was unable to come away with a run. Sophomore Brieanna Baker picked up the loss as she went 3.0 innings, while allowing three runs, but just one was earned. Fellow sophomore Ally Power pitched the other 3.0 innings and allowed one run, while striking out a pair.
“We started the day with 11 hits and had a great outing by Bobbi in the circle,” said head coach Trena Peel. “I’m proud of the way we started and finished strong defensively behind her. In the second game, we drove the ball hard all game and they made some great plays. It’s always disappointing when you out hit a team a loose the game. Unfortunately, we gave them too many freebies and that’s what hurt us in the end. I’m confident that we will bounce back tomorrow and take two.”
The Bulls will play these two teams again Sunday as they face Hartford at 9:30 a.m. and Norfolk State at noon.
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