After falling short earlier in the day, softball (7-19, 1-1 MAC) secured its first Mid-American Conference win of the season in a double header against the Toledo Rockets (10-13, 3-2 MAC) on Friday afternoon.
The Bulls started off slow in their first game of the day at D’Youville University (Dobson Field). Toledo led 5-0 through four innings and put the game to bed after scoring six more runs in the fifth. The game ended in a 11-1 Bulls loss. The sole UB run was scored by freshman first basewoman Abbey Nagel, with junior infielder Madison Fernimen collecting the only RBI.
The Bulls changed the script in the second game. UB was down 2-0 with the bases loaded in the bottom of the third inning when junior outfielder Sara Kelly took the game into her own hands, hitting her first career home run. Kelly’s grand slam put the Bulls ahead 4-2.
A double from freshman shortstop Avelyn Van Heyst later in the inning would earn her an RBI and increase UB’s lead to 5-2.
Fernimen put the game out of reach when she was walked with the bases loaded in the fourth inning. She also recorded an RBI double in the sixth. The Bulls would finish with a 7-2 win against a strong Toledo side.
Junior pitcher Julia Tarantino earned her first win of the season, pitching all seven innings, while striking out three batters and allowing only two runs on five hits.
The Bulls looked to close out their series with the Rockets on Saturday afternoon, but the game was called in the second inning due to severe winds. UB will now prepare to take on Canisius at home in a double header on Wednesday afternoon.
The sports desk can be reached at sports@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
