University of the Cumberlands (UC) Patriot softball dropped two games on Tuesday, March 20^thto the University of Rio Grande (URG) Red Storm.  The Patriots then prevailed in the next game of the week against Bryan College, on Wednesday, March 21^st, but fell in the second game of the double header against the Lions to finish out weekday play. 

Action in game one against the Red Storm started in the 4^thinning, as not much stirred up in the first 3 frames.  URG kicked it up in the top of the 4^thwith a long streak of hits and a Patriot error prolonging the inning to push a total of nine runs crossing the plate.  Patriots could not come back from the hole and took a loss with a final score 11-0. 

Game two looked a bit brighter for the Patriots, as they were first to put a run on the board.  Although UC played a better game offensively, they could not match up to the Red Storm's consistent hitting.  Final for game two goes down as a 9-2 Patriot loss.

Patriot softball came out strong the next day against the Lions of Bryan College.  Patriot defense was almost spot-on for the game and with big hits including the to-the-fence doubles by Erin Sears (Williamsburg, KY) and Tabitha Benson (Cookeville, TN), the Patriots looked tough at the plate as well.  UC was constantly making contact, and even with numerous batters hitting straight into the Lions defense they managed to drive 3 runs across.   The Patriots played solid in game one of the double header to come away with a 3-1 victory over the Lions.  Action in game two started with a 2 run inning for the Lions, putting them ahead in the top of the 3^rd.  UC offense got off to a slow start and could not fire up the bats to overcome the Lions.  Bryan put another couple runs on the board in the 6^th, and a solo run in the 5^thinning to come away with the win.  Final for game two went down as a 0-5 Patriot loss.

University of the Cumberlands softball record now stands at 3-20, with a 2-5 showing in the Mid-South Conference (MSC).

The Patriots will have one more double-header on the week as they head to Shawnee State University this Sunday, March 25th.  First pitch is set for 12 PM.

For more information on University of the Cumberlands softball and other Patriot athletics, please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com.

Article Provided by Jessica Robinson,University of the Cumberlands Multimedia & Athletic Services Graduate Assistant.