BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA – UNI softball fell to the Bulldogs of Samford University 1-0 in Day 1 of the Samford Tournament on Feb 26th.
The Panthers had three hits against the Bulldogs. Adara Opiola got the bats going for UNI in the first inning. Trying to keep things going, Brooke Snider hit a hard ground ball to the second baseman, Opiola got out at second on a fielder’s choice. In the third inning, Hannah Isley had a line drive to left center with only one out. She went on to steal second, however the Bulldogs were able to get out of the inning without allowing a run.
UNI continued to play hard defense with Kailyn Packard on the mound. Sammey Bunch was walked in the top of the fourth, she was able to advance to second off a hard-hit ball by Opiola to the shortstop. The Panthers would go on to hold the Bulldogs to extra inning. The Bulldogs ended up scoring on a hit to left center in the bottom of the tenth inning to end the game with a score of 1-0.
Kailyn Packard pitched all ten innings for the Panthers. She went on to strike out six and gave up six hits. Packard would give up one hit and her only run of the game in the bottom of the tenth.
Up Next
The Panthers will play in Day 2 of the Samford Tournament against Louisiana at Monroe at 10 a.m. CT and a rematch against Samford at 4 p.m. CT, both games can be streamed on ESPN+.
