Bulldogs fall to Terriers, 8-6, Tues.

SOFTBALL DROPS TOUGH-ONE TO BU, 8-6, TUESDAY IN SMITHFIELD

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Despite holding a 6-5 lead heading into the sixth inning, the Bryant University softball team dropped a tough decision to Boston University, 8-6, Tuesday afternoon.

A three-run sixth inning, highlighted by a Megan Valpano two-run double, proved to be the difference as the Bulldogs we unable to overcome the two-run deficit.

After falling behind, 1-0, early, the Black and Gold exploded for three runs in the bottom of the first off a three-run bomb from freshman Elle Madsen (Wheat Ridge, Colo.). The Bulldogs added another run in the bottom of the second inning off a Lauren Guy (La Habra, Calif.) homerun to right field, extending the Bryant advantage to three runs, 4-1.

In the top of the fourth, BU's Chelsea Kehr singled through the left side of the infield, scoring Brittany Clendenny and Emily Roesch. Just one batter later, Emily Felbaum singled down the right field line, scoring Kehr to top off a three-run fourth inning for the Terriers. The Terriers added another run in the top of the fifth off a Valpano sac fly, scoring Lauren Hynes, regaining the advantage, 5-4.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Bulldogs snatched back the lead off a great piece of hitting from junior Taylor Bell (Yorktown Heights, N.Y.), who with two outs, looped a doubled into right center field, scoring a pair and putting Bryant back in front, 6-5.

Just one half inning later, the Terriers pulled back in front, capitalizing on some Bulldog mistakes. BU's Jayme Mask reached on an error to score Haley King, before Valpano drove in a pair off a double to center field, putting the Terries up, 8-6.

Despite having a runner in scoring position in the bottom of the seventh, Bryant could not get things going as Bulldogs fell to Boston University, 8-6.

Senior Brittany Hart (North Andover, Mass.) was solid on the hill for Bryant, allowing just six earned runs in seven innings of work. Whitney Tuthill picks up her 11th victory of the year for BU in 5.1 innings of relief.

Junior Aubrey Mable (Aurora, Colo.) continued her offensive outburst, despite the loss, reaching base four times, with two hits, two runs scored and a pair of walks. Guy also put together a solid afternoon, collecting three hits, including the solo blast. Guy and Mable combined for five of Bryant's seven hits and four Bulldogs runs. 

Bryant will hit the diamond again on Thursday when they visit Storrs, Conn., for a showdown with the UConn Huskies (4 p.m.).

For all the latest news on the Bryant University softball team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.