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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville softball team fell to conference rival Bradley (13-17, 4-1 MVC) in both games of the doubleheader on Saturday, as the Purple Aces (12-10, 1-3 MVC) couldn't slow down the Braves offense.
 
UE lost game one, 10-1, in a game that ended an inning early due to the mercy rule. The Aces tried to bounce back in game two, but were unable to tie the series, losing 3-1.
 
Despite the tough day one of the series, head coach Mark Redburn remained positive:
 
            "It was a tough day all around for us. In game one we were able to hit some really hard balls that would go right to the defense, but they were also making some tough plays as well. Overall, I don't think we really got into our style of play and we were somewhat stuck there swinging at the plate. We wanted to get our short game going and some runners moving but it was just one of those days for us, where we'd get into a groove but just hit a wall. We definitely hope we can bounce back and win one tomorrow."
 
Game One
In game one of the Missouri Valley Conference doubleheader, Evansville, the away team for the series, entered the game with freshman Briana Combs (3-2) in the circle and the freshman right hander struggled for the first time all season.
 
Combs gave up four runs in the bottom of the first and unfortunately that would be all it would take for Bradley to take the lead for good. Combs finished out the inning and received the loss for the Aces, finishing with 1.0 innings pitched, allowing three hits and four runs.
 
After a scoreless top of the second, UE brought in freshman Emma Buckles to pitch and Buckles performed strongly in only her second collegiate pitching appearance. Buckles gave up two runs in the bottom of the second, giving Bradley the early 6-0 lead.
 
Neither team was able to score in the third and after a scoreless top of the fourth for UE, the Braves added one more run in the bottom of the inning to increase their lead, 7-0. Buckles finished the game pitching 3.0 innings, striking out one and giving up three runs.
 
In the top of the fifth, Kirsten O'Conner scored the Aces lone run with a solo homerun, cutting Bradley's lead to 7-1.
 
UE brought in freshman Danielle Freeman to the circle and Freeman struck out three, but gave up three runs in 1.2 innings of work, leading to the mercy rule coming into effect and a Bradley 10-1 win.
 
Game Two
Game two started out with a huge homerun from junior Kayla Fortner that gave Evansville the early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning, but that was the lone Aces score of the game and Bradley took advantage.
 
Megan Gurski (4-5) entered the circle for the Aces and the junior, despite getting the loss, had a strong game. The Braves were only able to score one run in the bottom of the first, tying the game 1-1.
 
After a scoreless top of the second for UE, Bradley was able to add another run of its own on a throwing error by Victoria Dellorto that would advance the base-runners two bases each, driving in one and giving Bradley the 2-1 lead.
 
Both teams were unable to score any runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings on some dominant pitching by Gurski and Jaelen Hull.
 
Going into the top of the sixth UE looked to tie the game up, but would not be able to. The bottom of the inning saw Bradley score one more run on a bases-loaded hit by pitch, giving the Braves the 3-1 lead and ultimately the win.
 
Gurski would finish the game, allowing three runs and striking out four in 6.0 innings of work.
 
Evansville will look to bounce back in the final game of the series tomorrow, as the teams will play at 12:00 p.m. at Cooper Stadium.