Senior Erin Sharpe ended her career with nearly every major statistical hitting record at BU including career home runs (78) and career doubles (62).

May 14, 2019

BU ends season with 4-3 loss to Eagles at NAIA Opening Round

Despite outhitting Avila University, 11-4, the Bellevue University softball team was plagued by six fielding errors, falling to the Eagles, 4-3, Tuesday afternoon in a loser's bracket game at Legends Park in the NAIA National Championship Opening Round - Dodge City Bracket.

DODGE CITY, Kan. -- Despite outhitting Avila University, 11-4, the Bellevue University softball team was plagued by six fielding errors, falling to the Eagles, 4-3, Tuesday afternoon in a loser's bracket contest at Legends Park in the NAIA National Championship Opening Round - Dodge City Bracket.

The loss ended the Bruins' season at 44-20. Avila (30-17) advanced to play No. 1-ranked Science & Arts (Okla.) later this afternoon.

Ashlyn Teran, Ashley Young, and Ellie Bliemeister each produced a pair of hits in the loss, while Emily Mendick, Katlyn Kinman, and Maricela Egan all drove in runs on the day.

The Eagles got out to a quick 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first, sparked by an RBI single to left field by Lexi Hanson and a run-scoring double to left by Cierra McGee. Avila also scored during a pickle which saw Makenzie Musgrove steal home successfully.

Mendick's RBI double to deep left-center scored Brieanna Brock from third to slice the AU lead to 3-1 in the top of the second.

A sacrifice fly to left by Kinman scored Erin Sharpe to cut the deficit to 3-2 in the top of the third frame.

The Eagles made it 4-2 in the bottom of the fifth on an RBI single to left by McGee.

An RBI double to deep right-center by pinch hitter Egan brought BU to within a run at 4-3 in the top of the sixth. Avila got out of a one-out bases-loaded jam later in the inning with a pair of force outs to keep it a one-run game.

Emily Rochford (1-3) suffered the loss, giving up two runs on two hits in the first 1/3 inning of the contest. Brock allowed just one run on two hits with three walks and two strikeouts in the final 5 2/3 innings.

Kayleigh Behymer (15-6) earned the win, scattering 10 hits with no walks and three strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings of work. Makayla Akin was credited with a save, allowing just one hit with one walk and one strikeout in the final 1 2/3 innings of the contest.