NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Delta State University softball team dropped the series opener to Trevecca Nazarene, 8-2, on Saturday afternoon at the TNU Softball Complex.

Trevecca Nazarene (15-13, 11-13 GSC) struck early, plating four runs in the first inning on a grand slam from Sarah Kinderdine to take immediate control of the game. The Trojans added two more in the second to extend the lead to 6-0.

Delta State (12-29, 6-18 GSC) began to chip away in the middle innings. Hallie Turner put the Statesmen on the board in the fourth with an RBI double to right center, scoring Kyleigh Wheaton. In the fifth, Maya Mills added a sacrifice fly to bring home Mary Teague and cut the deficit to 6-2.

Trevecca responded with single runs in the fifth and sixth innings, including a solo home run from Bailey Goad, to seal the 8-2 victory.

Calli McConnell led Delta State at the plate, going 3-for-4, while Turner finished with a hit and an RBI. Teague and Laney Daigrepont also recorded hits for the Statesmen.

In the circle, Grace Pippin provided relief, tossing 3.1 innings and giving up two runs, while Kendal Moore closed out the final inning without allowing a run.

Trevecca's Goad earned the win, going the distance and allowing two runs on six hits while striking out three.

Delta State will look to bounce back next weekend as they will travel to Montgomery to take on the Warhawks from Auburn Montgomery.