LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Seattle University softball (3-5) fell behind early in the game and despite attempting a mid-game comeback, fell short as Boise State (4-4) earned the 9-5 win.
"We had a tough loss tonight," said head coach Dan Powers. "We battled back several times but weren't able to get the clutch hits with runners in scoring position. It's only our second weekend out, so we are still working on the little things."
The Broncos and Redhawks leaving a combined three runners on base in the first frame with no score, Boise State would add a run in the bottom of the second and three more in the bottom of the third to take a 4-0 lead through three. Rachel Rodriguez hit a home run to right center in the second while Devon Bridges followed suit in the third. The final two runs of the third scored on a wild pitch and subsequent RBI single by Hailey Torrez.
Seattle U would cut the Boise State lead in half as Kayla Shuster-Gonzales (Escondido, Calif.) opened the fourth inning with a solo home run to put the Redhawks on the board. Lisa Maulden (Maple Valley, Wash.) would score on a two-out bases loaded fielder’s choice later in the inning.
The Broncos increased their lead once again, 6-2, in the bottom of the frame before the Redhawks would cut the lead in half once more, 6-3, in the top of the fifth on an Shuster-Gonzales RBI single.
In the bottom of the sixth, BSU would fend off the Redhawk attack once again with a trio of runs on an RBI double from Jordan Kreiger and a pair of RBI singles by Sara Ketelsleger and Makenzie Sullivan to lead 9-3.
With one more chance to make the comeback, Seattle U added two no out runs in the top of the seventh on a two RBI home run to center field as Bubba Morrow (Auburn, Wash.) also scored Paige Bouska (Keizer, Ore.), but three quick outs following would end the game.
Morrow hit 3-for-4 with a run and two RBI to lead the Redhawks at the plate.
In the circle, Lindsay Davis (Palo Cedro, Calif.) was handed the loss allowing four runs on six hits while walking one. Rodriguez picked up the win for Boise State pitching the complete game, allowing five runs on eight hits while walking three and striking out four.
The Redhawks close the weekend in Las Vegas with a pair of games on Sunday versus New Mexico and Hawaii.