Cavalier Softball Falls In Home Opener

The dreary weather fit the mood of the St. Gregory's softball team following its home opener Saturday at the SGU Softball Complex. No. 18 Central Methodist blanked the No. 16-ranked Cavaliers 9-0 in a game that featured temperatures in the low 40s, strong winds, rain and even hail.

Not much went right for SGU, who committed four errors in the field and combined for eight walks and three wild pitches in the circle. Offensively, the Cavs managed only four hits.

Bri Ford accounted for the Eagles' first four runs. After Shelby Pohlman reached on an error in the first, Ford lined a pitch into the gap in right-center for an RBI double. With two on in the third, Ford drove an 0-2 pitch over the left field wall to put the visitors up 4-0. That hit chased SGU starter Sierra Gallego, who gave up three earned runs and walked two in her first start.

It didn't go any better for reliever Allison Conyers who walked the bags full after Gallego departed. That led to a two-RBI single by CMU's Madison Watson, giving the Eagles a 6-0 advantage. Up seven runs in the seventh, CMU added two more runs courtesy of a passed ball and a wild pitch.

Conyers, Callie Pacheco, Tara Nall and Danielle Bacon accounted for the Cavs' four hits. NAIA All-American Aubrey Utley went the distance to pick up her first win of the season. She struck out eight in a 114-pitch effort.

The game was played as part of the SGU Invitational, which was held on the campuses of St. Gregory's and Oklahoma Baptist Friday and Saturday. The last game of the day Saturday at each site was canceled due to weather.

SGU returns to action Tuesday when it hosts Tabor College. The doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. at the SGU Softball Complex.