LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Two big innings by the visiting Lady Flames of Liberty University spelled doom for Bellarmine as the Knights opened their ASUN Conference home slate today. 
 
A seven-run third inning and a five-run fifth, coupled with a solid pitching performance by Karlie Keeney, spelled a 12-0 victory for the Lady Flames in five innings.
 
While Keeney allowed just two base hits to Bellarmine batters, the Liberty offense rapped out 13 base knocks.  Making matters worse for the Knights, a pair of errors helped the Lady Flames capitalize on scoring opportunities as only seven of the 12 runs were earned.
 
Liberty leadoff batter Autumn Bishop provided the most trouble for the Knights going 3-for-3 with a homer and double.  In all, four Lady Flames recorded multi-hit hits and four had two RBIs apiece to lead the way.
 
Bellarmine's hits came off the Hannah Webb and Sydney Young as the Knights' fell to 4-14 on the year and 0-4 in ASUN play.
 
For Liberty, today's game marked its ASUN debut so the Lady Flames—the league's preseason favorites—start the season 1-0 in conference play and improve to 19-9 overall.
 
The same two teams meet again tomorrow with a doubleheader scheduled for 11 a.m. (The original schedule called for a noon start but was moved up to accommodate travel.