BOX SCORE (PDF)

GREENSBORO, N.C.— The fifth-seeded Samford softball team was eliminated from the Southern Conference Tournament with a 1-0 setback to third-seeded Furman Friday afternoon at the UNCG Softball Stadium.
 
Taylor DeCelles (9-13), pitching her second game of the day, tossed the complete game for Samford. She pitched 6.1 innings, allowing just one run on five hits. DeCelles had earned the win in Samford's 10-6 victory over Mercer earlier in the day.
 
Offensively for Samford, Shelby Maze, Madison Couch, Ryan Brzozoski and Mekhi Mayfield had one hit each for Samford. The game was the final game in a Samford uniform for Maze and fellow senior, Lexie Higgins. Maze will leave school as the career record holder in hits (296), batting average (.390), runs scored (152), triples (11) and at-bats (759).
 
For Furman, SoCon Pitcher of the Year Lindsey Bert (28-9) pitched all 7.0 innings, allowing no runs on four hits. She struck out eight batters without allowing a walk.
 
Offensively, Furman was held to just five hits. Lauren Duggar, Cammy Pereira, Casey Bigham, Hannah Reynolds and Candace Johnson had one hit each for the Paladins.
 
Both pitchers controlled the game for the first six and a half innings. In the bottom of the seventh inning, Furman loaded the bases with one out with a pair of singles and a walk. Pereira then singled to center field to drive in Caroline Nageotte for the game-winning run.
 
Samford ends its season with a record of 19-38. Furman improves to 41-14.