The Buffalo Bulls softball season officially began this weekend in Athens, Ga., where Buffalo looked to take a bite out of the USA Today/National Fastpitch Coaches Association's seventh-ranked Georgia Bulldogs.
They never did get a shot at the Bulldogs due to poor weather, but were still able to play on Friday against both Virginia Tech and Appalachian State.
The season got off to an auspicious start as the Bulls were smoked 5-0 by the Hokies, but they were able to come back and win the second game against ASU by a score of 6-5.
UB's invitational games began Friday afternoon against Virginia Tech, where the Bulls seemed as unfamiliar with their opponent as they did with the Athens climate.
The Hokies' Megan Evans had an RBI in the bottom of the first inning to draw first blood and continued her hot streak to the sixth inning, cranking out a lead-off home run to extend the lead to 2-0.
The sixth inning certainly proved to be the climatic stretch of the game as Caitlin Murphy brought home two additional runs and RBI single from Kelly Brown gave the Hokies a comfortable 5-0 lead that held up to be the games final score.
The Bulls were unable to conjure any type of offense, managing only three total hits in the game, two from senior Dominique Jones.
Buffalo then faced Appalachian State in a dramatic come-from-behind victory, countering their defeat to Virginia Tech earlier in the day.
UB senior Breanne Nasti put Buffalo up early with a solo homer in the bottom of the first, while freshman Sophie Barstad chipped in another solo in the bottom of the second to give the Bulls a 2-0 lead.
Not to be outdone, Appalachian State came back swinging, mustering a five-run fifth inning to take the lead 5-2.
Just as it appeared Buffalo would come up empty for the day, freshman Shannon Prochaska snuck in a single, to be brought home by freshman Ashley Dimeo's sacrifice out RBI.
Ann Magur then added the most crucial single of the game, as it brought in Mary Russell, and clinched a 6-5 victory for Buffalo.
Pitching was solid for the Bulls as Barstad was able to strike out eleven batters, and allow only two earned runs, in her first appearance at the college level.
UB will travel to Chattanooga, Tenn. to compete in the Frost Classic against St.Francis College at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 27, followed by a game against the tournament host at 7 p.m.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
