The Briar Cliff softball team wrapped up play Thursday, falling in a pair of close games to the Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles.
Game 1 vs. Oklahoma Wesleyan – L, 3–2
Briar Cliff suffered a tough late loss in the opener as Oklahoma Wesleyan used a sixth-inning home run to claim a 3–2 victory.
The Chargers struck first in the second inning when Leah Montes launched a two-run home run to left field, giving BCU the early lead.
Oklahoma Wesleyan responded later in the game and delivered the decisive blow in the bottom of the sixth inning when Fori hit a two-run home run to left field to put the Eagles ahead.
Aubrey White turned in a strong outing in the circle for Briar Cliff, pitching six innings while allowing three runs on six hits. She struck out one and walked two.
Montes led the Chargers offensively with two RBIs, while Shelby Blankenship, Montes, Elizabeth Austin, and Sydney Mennenga each recorded a hit. The Chargers played clean defense, committing no errors, with Kaela Persico leading the team with nine defensive chances.
Game 2 vs. Oklahoma Wesleyan – L, 6–1
Briar Cliff dropped the second game of the day as Oklahoma Wesleyan secured a 6–1 win.
The Eagles opened the scoring in the first inning with a double and a run-producing double play to take an early lead. Oklahoma Wesleyan added to the advantage throughout the contest, including a solo home run by Purtell in the sixth inning.
Blankenship took the loss in the circle for the Chargers, pitching six and one-third innings while allowing six runs, five earned, on 11 hits. She struck out three and walked two.
Offensively, Blankenship, Sydney Ebel, and Mennenga each recorded a hit for Briar Cliff, while Montes drove in the Chargers' lone run. Briar Cliff showed patience at the plate with seven walks and remained aggressive on the bases, totaling five stolen bases. The Chargers also turned a double play defensively.
Briar Cliff returns to action Friday, taking on Kansas Wesleyan and Stephens College. Game times are set for 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
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