Williamsburg, KY – The seventh-ranked University of the Cumberlands split play on Friday in the Patriots Classic at the UC Softball Complex, earning a 7-2 victory over Indiana Tech before falling 7-5 to the University of Northwestern Ohio. The Patriots move to 5-1 on the season.
Game 1: EARLY OFFENSE, STRONG START LIFTS PATS PAST INDIANA TECH
Jessica Cord continued her strong start to the season in the circle, tossing six shutout innings to improve to 3-0 on the year. Cord allowed just two hits while striking out two and working around traffic in the early innings. Cassidy Gentry entered in the seventh inning, allowing two runs as UC secured the 7-2 win.
Cumberlands wasted no time getting on the board in the first. Maleah Clinton led off with a bunt single and later scored on an RBI single from Grace Ross. Ross then stole home later in the inning to give the Pats a 2-0 advantage.
UC added two more in the second. Ryann Livingston doubled before Abby Guinn delivered an RBI single. Alyssa Garcia followed with an RBI single of her own to extend the lead to 4-0.
The Patriots pushed the margin to 5-0 in the third when Lily Dale stole second and scored on an Indiana Tech error. UC added two insurance runs in the fifth as Jaelyn Phillips stole third and crossed the plate before Alyssa Gent was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to drive in another run.
Indiana Tech scored twice in the seventh on an RBI double, but Gentry recorded the final out to seal the 7-2 victory.
Game 2: PATS RALLY LATE, FALL 7-5 TO UNOH
UNOH jumped ahead early, scoring two unearned runs in the first inning following a triple and a Patriot error. The Racers extended their lead in the fourth with a five-run inning, capitalizing on timely hits and defensive miscues to build a 7-0 advantage.
Cumberlands began its comeback in the fifth. Jaelyn Phillips doubled to start the inning and later scored on a fielder's choice from Guinn. Ross followed with a two-run home run to deep centerfield to cut the deficit to 7-3.
The Patriots continued to apply pressure in the seventh. Krystal Anne Castaneda doubled to lead off the inning before Guinn singled her home. Ross then doubled to deep left center to score Guinn and bring UC within two runs at 7-5. The rally ended there as UNOH secured the final out.
Ross led the Patriots offensively, going 4-for-4 with a home run, a double, and three RBIs, while Guinn added two RBIs.
Up Next
Cumberlands will conclude play in the Patriots Classic on Saturday, February 14, hosting Midway University (Ky.) at 2:00 PM at the UC Softball Complex in Williamsburg, KY.
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