The Saint Louis University softball team traveled to Florida to play in the Four Points by Sheraton Invitational, dropping four out of their five games. Their first matchup was against Hofstra on Feb. 19. Junior outfielder Mackenzie Peter hit her first home run of the season in the bottom of the first. Although the Billikens loaded the bases after a walk by senior third basemen Elizabeth Everingham, a single from senior pitcher Brianna Lore, and another walk by sophomore infielder Alyssa Tarquino, the Billikens were unable to capitalize on the scoring opportunity. Hofstra went on a scoring frenzy in the second, scoring six runs, five of which were unearned. They scored another unearned run in the third then went on to bring in single runs in the sixth and seventh innings to defeat the Billikens 9-1.
Later on in the day, the Bills played Florida Gulf Coast (FGC). FGC built up a 4-0 lead with a run in the first, two in the third and one in the sixth. SLU was held to only three hits in the first six innings, but regrouped in the seventh. Tarquino hit a single that was quickly followed by another single from sophomore infielder Allie Macfarlane, and SLU scored on an RBI groundout from junior catcher Hailey Weaver. SLU loaded the bases after a walk from junior first baseman Emma Buckles, and junior infielder Taylor Meeks got on base after an error. Junior shortstop Alex Nickel brought in runners on a two-run single and Peter helped the Bills tie it at four with a hit. The Bills loaded the bases again after Everingham and Lore walked, but were unable to score. Although the Billikens had the opportunity to score in extra innings, they could not capitalize and fell 5-4.
SLU had a rematch with Hofstra on Feb. 20. Hofstra scored six times in the first inning: one bases-loaded walk, then a grand slam, and finally a solo home run. The Billikens responded in the second by loading the bases with walks by Weavers, Buckles and Nickel. Peter forced in a run and Macfarlane made it 6-2 with a sacrifice fly. The Billikens would be unable to cut the deficit any lower, as Hofstra scored two runs in the third and two more in the fifth to dominate the Billikens 10-2 in five innings.
SLU looked like a different team in the start of their second game of the day against LIU Brooklyn. Nickel and Peter singled early and Macfarlane followed up with an RBI double. Peter scored soon after on a wild pitch and Lore single plated Macfarlane. The Bills went up 4-0 in the second after Buckles singled and was brought home on a two-out double from Peters. LIU Brooklyn responded with three runs in the fourth. The Bills took a 5-3 advantage after sophomore outfielder Josie Knesel singled with two outs, got to third on a single from Nickels and scored on a double steal. The Blackbirds cut the deficit to one in the sixth and could have tied the game in the seventh, but Lore got the final out and improved to 2-1 for the season. SLU defeated LIU Brooklyn 5-4.
SLU finished the tournament on Feb. 21 against Marshall and lost 6-1.
Senior pitcher Brianna Lore was selected as one of 30 candadites for the CLASS Award for collegiate softball. Lore is a two-time All-Region and Atlantic 10 All-Conference selection. She also holds the Billiken career record for wins, starts and innings and also ranks among the top 10 on a multitude of other SLU career lists. She is a communication sciences and disorders major with a cumulative grade point average of 3.451 and has logged more than 50 hours of community service.
The Billikens fall to 4-6 and will host the Cancer Awareness Tournament March 4-6. Their first game will be March 4 against Missouri State.
