Softball | 3/26/2004 10:19:00 PM

Box Score LAKELAND, Fla. -- The Barry University softball team fell to the Valdosta State Blazers 2-1 in eight innings at the Florida Southern Invitational hosted at Lake Bonny Field.

The Buccaneers (21-13) narrowly escaped giving up a run in the first inning allowing two Blazers (11-28) to reach the bases. However, freshman pitcher Elizabeth Bennett put the halt on any Blazer offensive threat, holding them to a mere two hits during the next six innings, while the Bucs managed only two the entire game.

With the NCAA tiebreaker rule in effect and without getting any hits in the eighth, the Blazers placed the ball in just the right places with a leadoff walk to score two runs. Valdosta's Kelly Summers reached on a fielder's choice RBI and Linsey Walkers' sacrifice fly gave the Blazers a 2-0 lead. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the inning, Barry's Kim Fujimoto grounded out to second to cut the lead to one, but the Blazer defense closed the door for the 2-1 over Barry.

Ashley Loose had the Bucs' only two hits on the night. Bennett (17-9) suffered the loss for Barry giving up two runs (one earned) and struck out seven. Valdosta's Brooke King (7-11) picked up the win while giving up two hits in eight innings and struck out five.

The Buccaneers will return to action on Saturday, Mar. 27 taking on Albany State in a doubleheader beginning at 11 am followed by a 4 pm game with Valdosta State.

Valdosta State 2, Barry 1 (03/26/2004 at Lakeland, Fla.)
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Valdosta State...... 000 000 02 - 2 3 0 (11-28)
Barry............... 000 000 01 - 1 2 1 (21-13)
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Pitchers: Valdosta State - King. Barry - Bennett.
Win-King(7-11) Loss-Bennett(17-9) T-1:45 A-67
Game: SB0326