Hickory, N.C. – The Lenoir-Rhyne Softball Team (8-1) couldn't hold a four-run advantage and was handed its first loss of the year, 6-5, to Augusta University (3-10) Friday afternoon at Bears Field.
Trailing by a 4-2 score, the Jaguars took the lead for good with a four-run fifth inning. Two Augusta runs were scored on an errant infield throw.
Lenoir-Rhyne jumped out to a 4-0 advantage in the first inning capped off by a two-run double from senior outfielder Ashley Oliver (Newton, N.C.) but couldn't hold the lead.
Lenoir-Rhyne sophomore designated hitter Mackenzie Cates (Efland, N.C.), who finished with two runs batted in, hit a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh inning but it wasn't enough.
Augusta was led by Carolyn Edwards (Woodstock, Ga.) with a pair of hits and a run batted in while Paige Deschaine (Summerville, S.C.) (1-5) allowed just one run in over six innings of relief to go with seven strikeouts in the victory.
Lenoir-Rhyne senior Maryann Hoskins (Havelock, N.C.) fell to 3-1 on the season after suffering the setback.
Lenoir-Rhyne next hosts Columbus State (3:00 p.m.) and King (5:00 p.m.) on Saturday at Bears Field. The games this weekend are part of the Lenoir-Rhyne/Catawba Invitational.