LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A late rally was not enough for the Bellarmine University softball team as the Knights were unable to overcome an early deficit, losing game two of the series to Eastern Kentucky University 9-2 on Saturday afternoon.
 
With the loss, Bellarmine moves to 13-26 on the season, 5-12 in Atlantic Sun Conference play. With the win, EKU improves to 35-5 overall, 16-1 in ASUN action.
 
Just as they did on Friday afternoon, the Colonels jumped in front in the game's opening frame, scoring three runs thanks a two-run home run and RBI fielder's choice play to take a 3-0 lead in the first.
 
Bellarmine starter Carson Goatley held the Colonels in check after that, holding them scoreless over her final three innings of work. Overall, Goatley turned in 4.0 innings, allowing three runs on just one hits with two strikeouts and four walks.
 
Eastern Kentucky University broke things open in the sixth, scoring six runs on five hits, highlighted by two home runs in the inning to extend the lead to 9-0.
 
In the home half of the sixth, the Knights got to work. After a quick first out, junior Kayla Bauer got things started with a walk before freshman Brooke Shewmaker legged out an infield single for the team's first hit of the day. Junior Harlie Bickett advanced Bauer to third while reaching on a fielder's choice to shortstop before fellow junior Chloe Collins came up with a clutch single to center field to bring home Bellarmine's first run of the game. Junior Megan Konermann immediately followed with an RBI single of her own, getting the Knights back within 7, down 9-2.
 
Freshman pitcher Selena Zuniga worked quickly and sat the Colonels down in order in the seventh, but the Knights were unable to muster anymore runs, falling 9-2.
 
Bellarmine and EKU will close out the three-game series tomorrow afternoon with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m. ET at Knights Field.
 
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