East Tennessee State University’s softball team began the Winthrop Invitational with two losses on Friday in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The Buccaneers lost 4-6 to Georgia State and 7-8 in extra innings to Winthrop.
In the first game against Georgia State, ETSU started strong by scoring two runs in the top of the first inning through singles, stolen bases, and fielders choices. Georgia State responded with one run each in the second and third innings to tie the game. The Panthers then took control with consecutive two-run innings, leading 6-2 going into the seventh. ETSU attempted a comeback with two more runs in their final at-bat but fell short.
Taylor and Croley led ETSU offensively; Taylor went 2-for-4 with two runs scored while Croley was 3-for-3 with two runs and a walk. Lutu drove in two runs with her first triple of the season during the seventh inning. Suchy added her seventh RBI of the year on a ground out and pitched five innings, recording two strikeouts.
The Buccaneers finished game one with seven hits, four stolen bases—three of which resulted in runs—and nine assists defensively.
In their second matchup against Winthrop, ETSU was held scoreless for three innings before rallying for four runs in the fourth using five singles, a hit-by-pitch, and a walk. They added two more runs in the sixth and tied it up at 7-7 after capitalizing on an error in the seventh inning. The contest went into extra innings where Winthrop secured victory by scoring once in the bottom of the eighth after ETSU failed to score.
Seven different players scored for ETSU: Taylor, Suchy, Lutu, Boone, Porter, Moore, and Coleman. Taylor stole another base to bring her season total to 12 steals across seven games this year. Freshmen Porter and Croley each drove in two runs; Porter also scored once.
Senior pitcher registered a season-high four strikeouts during this game. Defensively, led efforts with six putouts and one assist; Haliey Porter contributed five putouts.
ETSU recorded eleven hits and drew five walks over eight innings but could not secure a win.
The Buccaneers will continue play at the Winthrop Invitational on Saturday afternoon at Terry Field.
