LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Bellarmine softball played its first ASUN game at home in 2023 on Saturday afternoon, and the Knights fell to Jacksonville State by a final score of 10-1.

The Gamecocks' offense was slow but steady, and they struck first in the opening frame with an Emma Jones home run to left center field.  After going scoreless in the second inning, JSU scored in each of the next five innings.

Jacksonville State totaled 11 hits with three home runs and three doubles.  The Knights put together four hits, including a solo home run from Emily O'Dee in the seventh inning.  The home run was O'Dee's first of the season and the third of her career.  O'Dee also made a spectacular catch in the fourth inning, diving and snagging a tailing ball down the left field line.

Bellarmine's best chance to score outside of the seventh was the first inning.  The Knights loaded the bases with three walks, but JSU pitcher Jaliyah Holmes used a strikeout to work out of the jam.

Holmes earned the victory with a complete game performance and striking out 12 batters in the process.  Claire Lehmkuhler started for Bellarmine, while Carson Goatley pitched the final 2.1 innings.

O'Dee, Megan Konermann, Alexis Hargrove, and Caitlyn Watson all had hits for the Knights.
 
Bellarmine and Jacksonville State face off in a Sunday doubleheader, beginning at 11:00 a.m., to wrap up the series.

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