NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Oakland University softball program dropped its season opener, 6-5, to the Loyola Ramblers Friday afternoon at the Purple/Gold Challenge.
Sophomore
Sydney Campbell (0-1) started and took the loss in the circle for Oakland (0-1). Senior Lauryn DeBono was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going 2.1 shutout innings while allowing just one hit, walking none, and punching out four.
In the batter's box, the Golden Grizzlies were led by senior
Jamie Squires, who went 2-for-4 on the day with a double and two runs batted in. Junior
Lauren Griffith put together a standout performance as well, going 2-for-4 with two RBI. Freshman
Maci Brown also chipped in for OU, putting together one hit in two trips to the plate while adding a double and a walk.
The Golden Grizzlies scored first, starting in the third inning. Oakland got an RBI single from junior
Madison Jones, scoring Brown from second base.
The Ramblers (1-6) took advantage of three OU errors over the next two innings, as they combined for six runs to take a 6-1 lead into the bottom of the fifth.
However, the Golden Grizzly offense responded with four runs in the bottom of the fifth, highlighted by a two-run single off the bat of Griffith and a two-run double from Squires, which brought the score to 6-5 in favor of the Ramblers.
The Golden Grizzlies threatened in the bottom of the seventh with runners on first and third with two outs but could not push in any runs, resulting in a 6-5 loss.
Other Notes
» Oakland batted 3-for-8 (.375) with runners in scoring position.
» Oakland recorded four errors in the loss.
» Oakland pitchers faced 29 Loyola Chicago hitters in the game, allowing six ground balls and six fly balls while striking out six.
» The Golden Grizzlies drew four walks from Loyola pitching.
» Squires led the Golden Grizzlies at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs.
» Loyola was led offensively by junior Abbey Jacobsen, who went 2-for-3 with an RBI.
» Junior Sydney Ruggles led the Ramblers pitching staff, throwing four innings of one-run ball.