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GULF SHORES, Ala. – The bats that got the Lady Panthers to the National Tournament went quiet in today's tourney opener as Davenport fell 3-1 to No. 15 Shorter University (Ga.). DU will resume pool play on Friday as they will take on No. 5 Central Baptist (Ark.) at 2:00pm EST.
Making their first appearance in school history at the NAIA National Tournament, Davenport fell victim to quiet bats and solid pitching from their opponent as they fell 3-1 to the Hawks of Shorter University. Davenport left seven runners on base as they scored their fewest runs since a 1-0 loss to Aquinas on April 13.
After Shorter scored in the top of the second for the first run of the day, Davenport's bats came back in the second with an RBI single from Debra Burton (Cassopolis, Mich.) that scored Ali Dawson (Galesburg, Mich.). DU then left two runners on base which was a sign of things to come for the remainder of the game.
Sam Cole (Belleville, Mich.) and her opposing pitcher Libby Munson then took over the game as they were both solid on the mound. Cole did allow a second run by SU in the 4th as the Hawks pitcher kept the DU bats silent.
With a 2-1 lead heading into the sixth, the Hawks struck again on some poor defensive play by the Lady Panthers that allowed them to score on a double-steal. Davenport's bats never recovered and they eventually fell by that same score of 3-1.
DU mustered only two hits on the day from Burton and Dawson and their defense committed three errors in the loss. Cole finished with six strikeouts and only one unearned run given up on seven hits.
Davenport will resume play on Friday in Pool E when they take on Central Baptist (Ark.) at 2:00pm EST. Live audio and stats will be provided.
