HARROGATE, Tenn.--The Bellarmine University softball team opened its season with a doubleheader at Lincoln Memorial on Saturday, falling 8-4 in the opener at 7-0 in game two.  The Knights were playing without having the opportunity to have practiced outside this spring due to snow and cold. 

GAME 1 LMU 8, BU 4

Bellarmine struck first in game one, scoring a run in the top of the third as designated hitter Kaitlyn Morley knocked in Jordan Basham, who had doubled. The Railsplitters, however, answered with five runs in the bottom of the inning on four hits and two Bellamrine errors.  

The Knights came back with three runs in the fourth, highlighed by Basham's 2-run double.  Again, Lincoln Memorial answered in the bottom half of the inning.  This time the home squad scored three times to make the score 8-4, which was the final count.

Offensively, Bellarmine was led by Basham and right fielder Emma Raver, who each had three hits for the game.  Pitcher Casey Willard worked the first two and two-thirds innings and picked up the loss.

BOX SCORE Game 1

GAME 2 LMU 7, BU 0

In the second game of the doubleheader, Bellarmine only managed to scratch out four hits by four different players while the Railsplitters scored seven runs on nine hits to easily win the nightcap 7-0.

Pitcher Amanda Meyer got the start in game two, but was saddled with the loss oafter giving up four runs in two and two-thirds innings of work.

Raver finished the day going 4-for-6 with a double to lead the Knights offensively.

BOX SCORE Game 2