WINTER HAVEN, Fla.— In the first day of action in the Russ Matt Tournament, the No. 22 Southeastern softball team won its first matchup of the day over Mount Mercy University by a score of 7-5 before dropping a close contest versus No. 11 Campbellsville University 4-2. After the day’s competitions, SEU moved to 3-1 on the year.
Against Mount Mercy, the Fire found themselves down 5-1 heading into the bottom of the fourth. Up to that point, Southeastern had managed just two hits. SEU notched four hits in the bottom of the fourth alone, including three consecutive at-bats with an RBI.
Following a single up the middle by Kristen Schwartz, Cheyenne Benson-Ross, Natalie Hughes, and Hannah Bonner each registered RBIs, cutting the four-run deficit to just one.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Fire completed their comeback by collecting three runs to go up 7-5. After the Fire loaded the bases thanks to a pair of hits and a walk, Bailee Moll reached on a fielder’s choice, which scored Kaylee Orr to tie the game at five.
A wild pitch during the next at-bat plated Bonner from third and Heather Faulk, who scored from second thanks to heads-up baserunning to seal the 7-5 victory.
Schwartz, Bonner and Lauren Watters all recorded multiple hits in the contest to go along with their runs scored.
“I was really proud of how we fought and came back in the first game. Getting the comeback and fighting through adversity was something I was really proud of,” Head Coach Rocky Stinson said of his team’s performance.
Benson-Ross picked up the win by pitching two and two-thirds innings, while only allowing a single hit.
Game two featured a hot start for Southeastern, as the Fire collected a pair of runs in the second inning.
Schwartz launched her first collegiate home run to center field to get SEU on the board. After the freshman’s solo shot, Haleigh Harrell singled to center. Harrell then stole second before scoring on a Tiger error to give Southeastern a 2-0 advantage.
Despite the Fire’s quick start, Campbellsville would answer in the top of the fourth. The Tigers recorded four runs on three of their four hits in the game to take a 4-2 lead.
SEU’s comeback attempt in game two would be thwarted by CU pitching. The Fire would only manage two baserunners for the rest of the contest, as Southeastern fell by the slim two-run margin.
“We played hard despite a few players being out today. If a couple of balls go different ways, the outcome might have been different, but overall, I’m happy about how we played,” Stinson added.
The Fire continue their stretch at the Russ Matt Tournament Friday with a game against No. 5 Georgia Gwinnett at 4 p.m. and a rematch with Campbellsville at 6 p.m.