CLERMONT, Fla. — Hits were hard to come by for the Southeastern softball team during its final two games in The Sun Conference Tournament.
The Fire were eliminated, dropping a 2-0 contest to Thomas, then an 8-0 game to USCB.
In the first semifinal game, the Fire recorded just three hits against Sun Conference Pitcher of the Year Lauren West.
Both Thomas runs came in the bottom of the first, getting back-to-back triples, then a wild pitch.
The best chance for the Fire came in the top of the fourth, with Sam Holcomb singling, Kiah Ferrell drawing a walk, along with Britt Robinson to load the bases, but one of 13 SEU fly outs in the game ended the inning.
Hannah Bodenhorn took the loss, despite allowing just four hits.
Against USCB, Lauren Watters and Sam Holcomb each walked and stole a base to set up second and third with one out. Brandee Pietrzak hit a fly ball to right field, which would have given the Fire a 1-0 lead on a sacrifice fly, but Watters was called out for leaving the base early to end the inning.
The Sand Sharks took advantage on an error in the first to take a 1-0 lead, then plated four more in the third on four RBI singles.
Ferrell’s double to left field with two outs in the fourth was the first hit of the contest for the Fire, but was left stranded at second.
USCB tacked on three more in the bottom of the fourth to reach the eight-run rule.
Ramsey Sullivan and Brianna Perez each added hits for the Fire in the fifth.
The NAIA World Series Opening Round participants will be announced Tuesday at 5 p.m.