BLUEFIELD, Va. – The Bluefield University softball team battled throughout Tuesday's non-conference doubleheader against Alice Lloyd at Graham Rec Park but came up short in both contests, falling 10-4 in game one before dropping a narrow 3-2 decision in the nightcap.
Game One – Alice Lloyd 10, Bluefield 4
Bluefield struck first in the opener, taking a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Kenidy Harris doubled into center field before Alexis McDuffie followed with an RBI single to right, giving the Rams an early advantage.
Alice Lloyd answered in the fourth to even the score at 1-1. The Eagles moved in front in the fifth, taking advantage of a pair of Bluefield miscues to score two unearned runs and build a 3-1 lead.
The visitors extended the margin in the sixth. Mackinzie Newport delivered an RBI single before another Bluefield error allowed an additional run to score, making it 5-1.
The Rams mounted their best rally in the bottom of the sixth inning. Harris singled and McDuffie followed with a base hit before Olivia Bailey drove in a run with an RBI single. After Bailey stole second, Jada Jordan came through with the big hit of the inning, lining a two-run double down the left field line to trim the deficit to 5-4.
However, Alice Lloyd responded immediately in the seventh, scoring five runs to put the game away and secure the victory.
Harris and McDuffie each collected two hits for Bluefield, while Jordan drove in two runs. Isabella Smith struck out eight batters over 6.1 innings in the circle before Ali Glover worked in relief.
Game Two – Alice Lloyd 3, Bluefield 2
The Rams nearly earned a split in the nightcap, rallying late before falling just short.
Alice Lloyd jumped ahead with a pair of runs in the opening inning to take a 2-0 lead.
After Glover entered in relief and kept the Eagles in check, Bluefield finally broke through in the sixth inning. Lauren Jackson reached on an error and Delana Loflin followed with a bunt single. Another Alice Lloyd error loaded the bases before Jordan delivered a clutch two-run single down the left field line, cutting the deficit to 3-2.
The Rams threatened again in the seventh. Chloe Dillow doubled into the gap with two outs to bring the tying run into scoring position, but Alice Lloyd recorded the final out to preserve the win.
Loflin led Bluefield with two hits and two stolen bases, while Dillow, Bailey, and Jordan each added hits. Jordan accounted for both RBIs in the contest.
Glover tossed four innings of relief, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out two.
Bluefield returns to Appalachian Athletic Conference play Thursday when it travels to Milligan for a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m.
