CLEVELAND, Miss. — The Delta State University softball team rallied for three runs in the fourth inning but couldn't overcome an early deficit, falling 4–3 to Christian Brothers on Sunday evening at University Field.
Christian Brothers struck first with a three-run third inning, stringing together four hits and capitalizing on traffic on the bases to take a 3–0 lead. The Bucs added another run in the fourth to extend the margin to 4–0.
Delta State answered with its best offensive frame of the day in the bottom of the fourth. After a walk to
Calli McConnell and a double from
Kyleigh Wheaton, the Lady Statesmen loaded the bases and pushed across their first run on a fielder's choice.
Ally Agner followed with a two-run single up the middle to bring DSU within 4–3.
Maeve Lavoy was outstanding in relief, throwing four scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out five to keep the Lady Statesmen within striking distance.
Delta State threatened again in the seventh when Rylie Leonard drew a leadoff walk, but a sacrifice bunt and two quick outs ended the comeback bid.
Christian Brothers' Emily Schooler went the distance, holding DSU to two hits while striking out six.
STAT LEADERS
- Hits: Wheaton (1), Agner (1)
- RBI: Agner (2)
- Runs: McConnell, Dunigan, Lavoy
- Pitching: Lavoy — 4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 5 K
Delta State moves to 8–14 overall and 4–5 in GSC play. The Lady Statesmen return to action Tuesday at University Field as the Lady Statesmen look to bounce back with a non-conference double header with Arkansas Tech University at 2:00 p.m. (CT).
