NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Madison Jones finished a triple shy of the cycle, but the Oakland University softball team fell 9-4 to the Lipscomb Lady Bison Friday evening at the Purple/Gold Challenge. 

Jones batted 3-for-3 with a single, double, home run, and two runs batted in to lead the Golden Grizzlies (0-2). Junior Cammie Brummitt put together a standout day at the dish as well, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Junior Lauren Griffith also helped out for OU, putting together one hit in three at-bats while adding an RBI.

Senior Lauryn DeBono (0-1) earned the start for Oakland (0-2) following an impressive performance against Loyola but took the loss giving up four earned runs in 1.2 innings of work. Emily Karas and Marisa Muglia pitched in relief, allowing a combined five runs — three earned — in 4.1 innings pitched. 

The Golden Grizzlies got on the board immediately, starting their scoring with one run in the top of the first inning. For the second-straight game, OU got an RBI single from Griffith, scoring Jones from second base.

The Lady Bisons (7-6) then rallied to score six runs and take a 6-1 lead before the Golden Grizzlies got back on the board in the sixth. Oakland scored twice on Jones' two-run homer, which tightened the Lady Bisons lead to 6-3.

Lipscomb built their lead to 9-3 by the top of the seventh inning. The Golden Grizzlies managed to score once on an RBI single from Brummitt in the final frame, but could not rally any further. 

The Golden Grizzlies are back in action tomorrow for the final day of the Purple/Gold Challenge when they will take on Loyola at noon ET and Lipscomb at 2:30 p.m. ET. 

Other Notes
» Jones led the Golden Grizzlies with a team-best three hits.
» Both of Oakland's extra-base hits came from Jones.
» Oakland went 3-for-4 (.750) with runners in scoring position.
» Lipscomb was led offensively by junior Amy Vetula, who went 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
» Senior Breana Burke led the Bisons pitching staff, throwing seven innings of four-run ball.