BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. – The United States Sports University softball team fell 18-2 in five innings to Blue Mountain in the season opener on Thursday.
 
The Eagles (0-1) struck first in the opening frame when Ahlexus Lackey launched a two-run home run to center field, scoring Annabeth (AB) Parrish to give USSU a 2-0 lead. Lackey finished 1-for-2 with two RBIs and a walk to lead the Eagles offensively.
 
The Toppers (7-0) answered with two runs in the bottom of the first, capitalizing on a wild pitch and an error to even the score at 2-2. Blue Mountain broke the game open in the second inning, plating four runs highlighted by a three-run double to take a 6-2 advantage.
 
Blue Mountain added two runs in the third and erupted for 10 runs in the fourth to extend the margin to 18-2. The Toppers totaled 12 hits and drew seven walks.
 
Ryleigh Merritt (0-1) took the loss for USSU. Madison Montgomery (2-0) earned the win for Blue Mountain, surrendering two runs on two hits while striking out two in five innings.
 
USSU managed two hits in the game, with Isabelle Calagaz adding a single in the fifth inning.
 
Up Next
The Eagles will finish the series against the Toppers with a doubleheader on Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. (CT).
 
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