BGSU softball (3-1) split a doubleheader against Furman (1-7) on Thursday at Pepsi Stadium in Greenville, South Carolina, exploding for 17 runs in a 17-8 victory in game one before falling 10-4 in the second.
The Falcons’ bats were alive and well on the first day of the Purple & White Classic, combining for 21 runs across the two contests. The offense was powered by the long ball, with the team launching five home runs on the day.
Shortstop Cameron Kaufman and outfielder Kendall Mathews were instrumental for Bowling Green. Kaufman went 4-for-6 on the day with a home run and four stolen bases, while Mathews homered in both games and drove in four total runs.
Game One
The opening matchup was an offensive showcase for the Falcons, who routed the Paladins 17-8.
Bowling Green jumped out to an early lead, scoring two runs in the second inning before erupting for five runs in the third. Kaufman sparked the third-inning rally with an RBI bunt single, followed by a sacrifice fly from catcher Ashley Chevalier. Later in the inning, utility Katie Hutter drove in two runs with a single to center, and infielder Taylor Behrendt walked with the bases loaded to extend the lead to 7-1.
Furman fought back, cutting the lead to 7-6 in the bottom of the third, but the Falcons refused to let up. In the fourth, Chevalier delivered a clutch two-run single up the middle to push the lead to 9-6. Kaufman added insurance in the fifth with a two-run home run to left center.
The Falcons put the game out of reach in the seventh inning with a massive six-run surge. Chevalier singled home two more runs, followed immediately by back-to-back home runs from Mathews and center fielder Hanna Massaro.
Game Two
The second game proved to be a tougher challenge, as the Falcons fell 10-4 despite a resilient effort early on.
After falling behind 2-0 in the first, BGSU responded in the top of the second. Mathews launched a two-run homer to left center, scoring Kaufman to tie the game at 2-2.
The game became a back-and-forth battle in the third inning. Trailing 3-2, middle infielder Hannah Hunt delivered an RBI single through the left side to score outfielder Peyton Steffes, knotting the score at 3-3.
However, the Paladins pulled away in the middle innings, capitalizing on defensive miscues and a pair of home runs to take the lead. Furman scored three in the third and two in the fourth to build an 8-3 advantage.
The Falcons attempted to chip away, with third baseman Addie Martin hitting a solo home run, but the deficit proved too large to overcome.
Up Next
The Falcons look to bounce back Friday, Feb. 13, as they continue playing in the Purple & White Classic, starting with Towson at 1:30 pm, followed by Lipscomb at 4 pm.
