Softball Splits with Bluefield to Open 2022 Season

Gainesville, Georgia- The Brenau softball team opened the 2022 with a split against conference foe Bluefield (Va.) University in Appalachian Athletic Conference play on Sunday.

In the first inning of game one, Brenau started quickly as sophomores Hannah Patridge and Abigail Brown each had RBIs, then senior Shea Reagor mashed a solo home run to give the home team an early 3-0 advantage. Brenau added a fourth run on a Bluefield error in the second inning to increase the lead to 4-0.

The Rams (3-5 overall, 1-3 AAC) answered with four runs in the top of the third as Claudia Santana doubled in a run to start the rally, then later in the inning a Patridge error allowed Santana to score to make it 4-2. The visitors capitalized off of the error with two consecutive hits off Brenau starter Alyssa Bedenbaugh to even the score at 4-4.

In the top of the sixth, the Rams broke open the tie as Kristina Sanchez doubled to left center to make the score 5-4 and escape with the win.

Reagor led the Golden Tigers hitters with a 3 for 4 day, including the solo homer, while Patridge and Morgan Tyler each added two hits.

Bedenbough threw seven innings in her Golden Tigers' debut, allowing four runs on five hits with six strikeouts to take the loss.

In game two, the Rams carried the momentum from the opening game by scoring in the top of the second off an error for an early 1-0 lead. However, the Brenau bats answered with three runs in each of the next three innings to take a commanding 9-1 lead. The Rams added a late run, but the Brenau pitching and defense took control to take a 9-2 victory.

Tyler led the offense with three hits and two stolen bases, while Brown added two hits and two RBIs to batter the Rams' starters for 12 hits. Senior Kasey Blair added two hits and a pair of RBIs while freshman Taryn Hitchcock also added two RBIs.

Freshman starter Paige Downing held the Rams in check by throwing a complete game to earn her first win. The Smiths Station, Ala. native allowed only three hits and one earned run, while striking out four in her collegiate debut.

Brenau (1-1 overall, 1-1 AAC) next hosts Faulkner (Ala.) University (4-0 overall) in a non-conference doubleheader on Tuesday in Gainesville. First pitch will be at 4:00 pm eastern.