CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Scoring four runs in the sixth inning, Austin Peay State University propelled itself over the Bellarmine University softball team on Thursday night 4-0 in game one of the series.
 
In what was only an hour and twenty-three-minute game, both starting pitchers were dialed in from the beginning.
 
Junior right-hander Claire Lehmkuhler (8-9, 3.06) got the start for the Knights and was stellar through the first five innings of the game, surrendering just two hits and a walk. Trouble finally came in the bottom of the sixth when Lehmkuhler issued her second walk of the night to the Governors leadoff batter who then advanced to second on a passed ball before taking third on a throwing error by Bellarmine freshman catcher Nicole Waters. Austin Peay took advantage of the runner on third, bringing her home with a single to take a late 1-0 lead. The Governors wouldn't stop there, loading the bases before clearing them with a two out double to extend their lead to 4-0.
 
Bellarmine attempted a comeback in the top of the seventh as junior Harlie Bickett and Chloe Collins each reached base safely via walk and single, respectively, to kick off the frame. With freshman Kendall Gaddie pinch running for Collins, junior Megan Konermann advanced both runners into scoring position with a ground out for the first out of the inning. The Knights would move no further unfortunately as APSU's starter Jordan Benefiel struck out the next two batters to cap off her complete game shutout.
 
Benefiel finished the game with 10 strikeouts and allowed just two hits and one walk.
 
Offensively, Bickett and Collins were the only two Knights to reach base with a hit each while Bickett added a walk.
 
Bellarmine and Austin Peay will continue the series tomorrow afternoon at Cathi Maynard Park with first pitch scheduled for 4 p.m. ET.
 
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