BOSTON - A five-run sixth inning, highlighted by graduate student Audrey Sellers' two-run home run, helped lift the No. 21/22 Boston University softball team to a 5-2 win over Bucknell on Friday afternoon at BU Softball Field.

Sellers' third homer of the year gave top-seeded BU (51-4-1) a 2-0 advantage before sophomore Brooke Deppiesse doubled home senior Lauren Keleher and freshman Kylie Doherty to extend the lead to 4-0. Senior Lauren Nett then singled home Deppiesse from second base to create the 5-0 score.

Sophomore Kasey Ricard (26-3) turned in another strong performance in the circle, not allowing a hit until the fifth inning and striking out 10. Bucknell (19-26) scored twice in the bottom of the seventh, but Ricard induced a game-ending double play to end the game as graduate student Caitlin Coker caught a liner at third and doubled up the runner at second.

Deppiesse finished the day 2-for-3 at the plate with a pair of RBIs and also made a fantastic diving catch in the bottom of the second while Keleher went 2-for-4 at the dish.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Keleher hit the first pitch into right field for a base hit and eventually advanced to third before Bucknell escaped unscathed.
• That was the only hit of the game until the fifth inning, as both pitchers made quick work of the opposition.
• Deppiesse made the play of the game in the bottom of the second with a fantastic diving grab in foul territory.
• She then recorded the Terriers' second hit of the day in the top of the fifth before being thrown out trying to steal second.
• Bella Radican recorded Bucknell's first hit of the game with two outs in the bottom of the fifth on a ball that didn't leave the infield.
• She then stole second, but Ricard struck out Annabella Hawkins to end the threat.
• BU got on the board in the top of the sixth. After graduate student Allison Boaz was hit by a pitch, Sellers crushed a ball over the left-field fence to give the Terriers a 2-0 lead. Keleher singled to chase Madison Roukey from the game.
• Hunter Vestal entered the circle and secured two quick outs.
• Doherty worked an eight-pitch walk, with Keleher stealing third on ball four. Doherty then swiped second without a throw to set the stage for Deppiesse's two-out, two-RBI double.
• Nett then singled home Deppiesse to extend the lead to 5-0.
• Bucknell spoiled the shutout bid by scoring twice in the bottom of the seventh, but a nice defensive play by Coker ended the rally and sent BU to the championship round.

• BU will face the winner of Friday's second game of the day between third-seeded Bucknell and second-seeded Lehigh.
• First pitch on Saturday at BU Softball Field is scheduled for 12 p.m.
• The Terriers need just one more win to claim their second straight Patriot League title.