IU Falls in Big Ten/ACC Challenge Finale to Georgia Tech, 4-1

Sunday, February 18

Atlanta, Ga.

12:30 PM ET

Indiana University

Georgia Tech

IU Falls in Big Ten/ACC Challenge Finale to Georgia Tech, 4-1

2/18/2018 4:13:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

ATLANTA, Ga. – Indiana Softball dropped its final game of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Sunday afternoon to Georgia Tech, 4-1.

Indiana did out-hit Georgia Tech, 5-4, behind two-hit efforts by seniors Rebecca Blitz and Taylor Uden.

The Yellow Jackets struck first as they took advantage of a Hoosier throwing error on a sacrifice bunt to put runners on the corners with no outs to open the game. A sacrifice fly plated Breanna Roper, who had reached on a leadoff walk.

"We have to get out to a faster start," said Stanton. "We had the walk in the first inning and we had the error, then we got down early. I felt once we got down, we didn't play hard and that's the one thing I'd be disappointed in our group today. We have to understand there has to be progress in the process."

Indiana loaded the bases in the bottom of the opening frame on singles from Uden and sophomore Katie Lacefield, along with a walk to sophomore Bella Norton Norton. However, a strikeout left them loaded.

Georgia Tech extended its lead to 3-0 in the second as Kelsey Chisholm sent a two-run homer over the wall in center, bringing home Lilly Hooper, who reached on a lead-off single.

A solo homer from Hooper with one out in the fourth further pushed the Georgia Tech lead to 4-0.

Indiana got on the board in the fifth as sophomore Gabbi Jenkins walked and Blitz singled to third base to set things up for Uden, who collected her second hit of the day on an RBI double to left.

The Hoosiers looked for a final-inning rally as Blitz beat out a throw on a bunt single with one out. Uden reached as her long fly ball was dropped at the wall by the Georgia Tech left fielder. But a pop-up in foul territory and a groundout ended the game.

Junior Tara Trainer took the loss for Indiana, surrendering a pair of earned runs and three hits in 1.0 inning. Sophomore Emily Goodin came in for relief of Trainer, going 2.1 innings and allowing just one earned run on one hit. Redshirt sophomore Josie Wood also turned in a solid relief effort, going 3.2 hitless frames to keep the Hoosiers in striking distance.

"We have some pieces of the puzzle we can build around" said Stanton. "Now it's about improving that mindset, understanding the game and what we're going to do and how we're going to forge our identity to give ourselves the best shot to be successful on the ballfield."

Up next, Indiana visits Homewood, Ala. to play a pair of games against both Samford and Lipscomb. First pitch of the tournament for the Hoosiers will come Friday at 4 p.m. against Lipscomb.