BOX SCORE (PDF)
TROY, Ala. – The Samford softball team dropped a 3-2, extra inning decision to Longwood on the final day of the Trojan Classic Sunday at the Troy Softball Complex.
Abby Sweeney drove in both of Samford's runs, going 1-for-3 at the plate.
Shelby Maze turned in a 2-for-3 performance at the plate.
Grey Adams (1-3) pitched the complete 8.0 innings, giving up three runs, just one earned, on five hits.
For Longwood, Karleigh Donovan drove in two runs with a home run in the top of the eighth inning in a 1-for-3 performance. Kelsey Sweeney went 2-for-3 for the Lancers. Sydney Gay (2-3) tossed 8.0 innings, allowing two runs on six hits to pick up the win for Longwood.
Samford jumped out to an early lead with a run in the bottom of the first inning.
Madison Couch reached base on a bunt single to open the inning. Couch later scored on a sacrifice fly by Sweeney to give Samford a 1-0 lead.
The score remained 1-0 until Longwood tied the game with a run in the top of the sixth inning. With one out, Kelsey Sweeney singled to start the rally. Sweeney moved to second base when Glenn Walters was hit by a pitch, and then scored on an error to tie the game at 1-1 and force extra innings.
In the top of the eighth inning, Donovan hit a two-run homer, scoring Kaylynn Batten, who was placed on second base to start the inning. The home run gave the Lancers a 3-1 lead.
Madison Couch was placed on second base for Samford to start the bottom of the eighth inning. Maze then reached base on a bunt single, moving Couch to third base. Sweeney then singled to center field to drive in Couch to cut the lead to 3-2. Three-straight pop ups, however, ended the Samford threat and Longwood held on for the 3-2 win.
With the loss, Samford falls to 2-8 on the young season. Longwood improves to 2-7 with the win.
Samford will return to action on Tuesday, Feb. 21, when the Bulldogs host Kennesaw State for Samford's home opener. The first pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Samford Softball Field. Admission to all home softball games is free.
