The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Western Kentucky
Softball Drops Two Games at Purple/Gold Challenge
February 28 | Softball
WKU Boxscore
Lipscomb Boxscore
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NASHVILLE – The University of Akron softball team opened play at Lipscomb's Purple/Gold Challenge with two losses on Saturday at Draper Diamond.
In the opener, the Zips fell to Western Kentucky, 14-0 in five innings. UA finished the day with a 3-2 loss to host Lipscomb.
The Zips stand 6-6 overall, while the Hilltoppers improved to 7-3 overall, and Lipscomb improved to 6-0 overall.
"We were not good today," head coach Julie Jones said. "The first game snowballed into making make way too many mistakes, and we were not productive offensively. Game two was better. We had chances to win but did not do some of the little things to move people to score. We have to play better consistently and remain aggressive at the plate."
In the opener, Western Kentucky utilized steady scoring throughout the short game, scoring two runs in each of the first three innings. WKU added three runs in the fourth and five runs in the fifth to seal the shutout victory. Akron had just two hits in the game.
Freshman Paige McMenemy (Westerville, Ohio) took the loss for Akron. She hurled 3.2 innings, striking out three and walking five.
Against Lipscomb, the host Lady Bisons scored three runs, two in the bottom of the first and an insurance run in the second, to take a 3-0 lead. The Zips' first run came in the top of the fourth as sophomore third baseman Alyssa Nicholas (Cortland, Ohio) swatted a two-out RBI single to center field, bringing in senior pitcher Sara Pearson (Somerville, Ohio), who reached on a fielder's choice.
UA came within one run in the top of the fifth as senior second baseman Kellie Roudabush (Hilliard, Ohio) singled, bringing in freshman shortstop Caitlin Gambone (Canton, Ohio), who reached on a doubled and was sacrificed to third.
The Zips were three batters up-and-down in the sixth and seventh in the loss.
Junior right-hander Erin Seiler (Bowling Green, Ohio) took the loss. She struck out nine batters while throwing a complete game.
Tournament action concludes on Sunday, March 1, as Akron faces Dayton at 11 a.m. CT at Draper Diamond.
