RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University softball team dropped its third match-up against Bellarmine, 2-1, on Sunday.
 
The Colonels (15-15, 4-2 ASUN) secured the series on Saturday with a doubleheader sweep of the Knights, but were unable to complete the weekend sweep.
 
EKU had multiple opportunities to generate offense, stranding two runners in three separate innings.
 
In the circle, Victoria Byrum (4-8) turned in another strong performance, striking out 10 batters while allowing just two hits and two runs late in the game.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
It was a defensive battle early, with EKU threatening in the second inning after putting runners on first and second, but a flyout ended the inning with both stranded.
 
The Colonels found themselves in scoring position again in the fourth inning after back-to-back singles but were unable to capitalize, recording two straight outs to end the threat.
 
Bellarmine broke through in the top of the sixth inning. After a walk and a single for its first hit of the day.  The Knights moved a runner to third and used a sacrifice bunt to take a 1-0 lead.
 
The Knights added to their lead in the seventh, stringing together a single and advancing the runner to third before an RBI single up the middle made it 2-0.
 
EKU clawed its way back in the bottom of the seventh. Jaelin Haynes led off with a triple to left field, and a groundout brought her home to cut the deficit to one.
 
Jordan Smith then reached on a fielding error, and Vanessa Keller drew a walk to put runners in scoring position with one out. However, Bellarmine turned a game-ending double play to secure the 2-1 victory.
 
NEXT UP
 
EKU hits the road for an ASUN series at Lipscomb on March 28-29. The Bisons (8-22, 2-3 ASUN) enter the matchup after dropping a series to Bellarmine last week.