CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Boston University softball team started off the Queen City Classic with an 11-1 run-rule loss to tournament host Charlotte on Thursday night at Sue M. Daughtridge Stadium.
Carrying momentum from last weekend's win over then-No. 10 Georgia, the 49ers (7-3) recorded a combined five home runs against three Terrier (7-3) pitchers, including a walk-off three-run blast.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Junior Kayla Roncin put BU on the scoreboard first with a one-out solo homer to center in the top of the first.
- Ashleigh Washington started the bottom half with a solo homer of her own against senior Allison Boaz (3-2), and two-time Conference USA Player of the Year Bailey Vannoy followed Kassidy Krupit's single with a two-run blast to grab the lead for good.
- Senior Lizzy Avery entered in relief and kept the bats at bay through three innings.
- BU had a chance to rally in the top of the fourth thanks to a walk and back-to-back hit-by-pitches, but the 49ers went to the pen and ended the threat with a pair of pop ups.
- Charlotte made the Terriers pay, extending the lead with a two-run homer against Avery in the bottom of the fourth.
- Vannoy started the bottom of the fifth with a solo homer against freshman Kasey Ricard, and with two outs, Washington launched a 3-2 pitch with two runners on to left for the walk-off win.
GAME NOTES
- Junior Lauren Keleher earned her first double of the season and increased her batting average to .533.
- Roncin leads the Terriers with two homers and is tied with Keleher at nine RBIs.
- The five allowed home runs were the most by a BU pitching staff since No. 2 Arizona earned seven back on Feb. 27, 2004.
UP NEXT
- BU will continue the Classic on Friday (Feb. 24) with a 10 a.m. start against Kent State and 12:30 p.m. first pitch against Georgia Tech.