Rio Grande Sports Information
WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. - The University of Rio Grande mounted a late rally to nip Campbellsville University before dropping a run-rule decision to host University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) in Friday afternoon's action at the Ice-Burg Softball Classic.
The RedStorm scored twice in the seventh inning to defeat the Tigers, 2-1, while the host Patriots posted a 10-2 triumph over Rio in five innings.
Head coach Chris Hammond's team finished the day at 6-1, while Campbellsville - which was among the teams receiving votes in the NAIA Preseason Coaches' Top 25 poll - moved to 6-2 after the loss to the RedStorm and No. 3-ranked Cumberlands pushed its record to 8-3.
In Friday's opener against Campbellsville, the Tigers took a 1-0 first inning lead on a run-scoring single by Lindsay Mitchell and the advantage held up until the seventh inning.
Sophomore Madison Perry (Portsmouth, OH) led off the inning with a walk, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by senior Lexi Carnahan (Felicity, OH) and scored on a single by sophomore Riley Hughes (Wheelersburg, OH).
Freshman Aleigha Matney (Ironton, OH) came on to run for Hughes, but was promptly forced out on a fielder's choice grounder to second by sophomore Kayla Sedgwick (Richwood, OH). Senior Caitlyn Brisker (Oak Hill, OH) and freshman Maddie Engler (Crestline, OH) followed with back-to-back singles to load the bases, setting the stage for a walk to junior Peyton Young (Mt. Orab, OH) which forced in the go-ahead run.
Campbellsville threatened in the home seventh against Rio junior starter Madison Ogden (Williamsburg, OH) when Morgan Carter doubled and pinch-runner Callie Webb was bunted over to third by Keely Bowling.
The game ended moments later, though, when Kaeleigh Tuck popped out to first and Webb was doubled up at third base.
Hughes had two hits to lead Rio offensively, while Ogden tossed a complete game seven-hitter and struck out eight.
Ellie Coley suffered the loss for Campbellsville, allowing three hits and two runs over 2-2/3 innings of relief.
Emily Reynolds had two hits for the Tigers.
In the nightcap against Cumberlands, Rio Grande grabbed a 1-0 first inning lead on a solo home run by Brisker, but the Patriots exploded for four markers in the bottom of the first and three more runs in the second.
Another three-run inning in the fourth by UC helped to set up the mercy rule.
Sophomore Gabby Adams (Grove City, OH) had a double in the loss for the RedStorm, while junior Hannah Beers (Springfield, OH) started and took the loss in the pitcher's circle.
Morgan Radford got the win for the Patriots, allowing six hits and two runs - one earned - over five innings.
Makenzie Keatts had three hits and two RBI to lead UC, while Amber Atkins was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI and Shelby Radford finished 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI.
Rio Grande is scheduled to return to action on Saturday when it faces Taylor (Ind.) University in a 9:30 a.m. first pitch.
