ST. GEORGE, Utah-The Montana State University Billings Softball team lost to Fort Lewis College 5-4 in the concluding game of the Courtyard Classic hosted by Dixie State University Saturday afternoon. The loss puts MUSB at 5-6 overall.
 
FLC 5, MSUB 4 | Box Score
 
Only two innings saw any runs scored as FLC scored all five of their runs in the top of the fifth inning while MSUB produced all of their runs in the seventh. Maddy Lincoln received the start for MSUB and held Fort Lewis to four scoreless innings. On the flip side of the coin, FLC pitcher Brianna Leavell held MSUB to six scoreless innings as both pitchers, backed by their defense, were on point for most of the game.

"We came out strong on defense and on the mound today," said head coach Lisa McKinney. We struggled to adjust to their pitcher but I am proud of the way we fought in seventh inning. We are looking forward o a few days off, being back home and getting back to the basics at practice for a couple weeks before traveling to North Dakota."
 
Making it through the entire lineup in the top of the fifth, Fort Lewis poured on five runs on five hits and one error form MSUB. Alyssa Etheridge would come in to relive Lincoln in the top of the sixth to record no runs, no hits and two strikeout out in two innings of work.
 
Carrying the home designation for the game, MSUB would head into the bottom of the seventh down 5-0 and provide late inning drama.
 
Allie Hughes and Payton Reynolds both drew walks to start the inning. Brittanee Fisher then strode to the plate and struck a single to right field in which Hughes was able to score on and Reynolds advanced to third base. Two batters and one out late, Skyler Jenkins grounded out to second base but Reynolds was able to score and Georiabelle Benning who came in to pinch run for Fisher, advanced to third with the score now 5-2.
 
Hailee Gregerson was the next MSUB batter to come to the plate and try to prolong the rally. Down in the count 0-2, Gregerson unleashed a howitzer to left field as she homered for the first time this year driving in two RBIs and pulling MSUB within one 5-4.
 
But such is the nature of softball with its suprsising highs and sharper lows. One swing of the bat can result in heroics or in this case the end of the game. FLC would force a pop out the very next batter effectively thwarting the comeback attempt and winning 5-4.
 
PLAYER OF THE GAME: For her two RBI homerun, Hailee Gregerson is named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game. The senior right fielder was one-for-three at the plate but saved her best at-bat for last with her two run shot over left field.


 
WHAT'S AHEAD: MSUB (5-6) returns home after 11 days on the road. The Yellowjackets will next be in action in the Air-Supported Dome Invitational hosted by Minot State University February 22-23.