In a high-scoring game at the UCF Black & Gold Classic in Orlando, the Boston University softball team lost to Buffalo 20-16 on Saturday morning. The matchup featured five lead changes and a total of 41 hits between both teams.
The score was tied at 11-11 entering the sixth inning. Buffalo then scored five runs in the sixth and added four more in the seventh, creating enough separation to secure the win over Boston University. Out of ten pitchers who appeared in the game, Buffalo’s Melena Toth was the only one not credited with at least one run allowed. She faced two batters at the end, finishing the game with a groundout.
Freshman Irys Kline led Boston University’s offense, hitting two doubles and a triple for three RBIs and scoring twice. Junior Kylie Doherty and sophomore Camryn Lyons combined for six hits in ten at-bats, driving in five runs and scoring five times. Senior Megan Coyle contributed two RBIs while going 2-for-4 with a run scored.
Buffalo started strong with back-to-back singles and loaded the bases early before scoring two runs against senior pitcher Kasey Ricard. After a pitching change to Haley Ganino, Boston University responded when Kline tripled and later scored on a wild pitch. Additional hits from Sophie Naivar and Doherty set up Lyons for a two-RBI single that gave BU an early lead.
Buffalo regained momentum in the second inning by combining for three runs off three hits and two walks against Ganino and sophomore Ava Johnson. Sophomore Danika Nell ended further damage with a strikeout.
Boston University took back the lead in the third inning after Kline’s two-RBI double highlighted a four-run frame. However, Buffalo answered immediately with six runs off seven hits.
Freshman Mary Catherine Stanley drove in a run for BU in the bottom half of that inning, while Ricard held Buffalo scoreless through part of the fifth inning to keep BU within reach.
Boston University tied it up again after scoring three runs off four hits and capitalizing on errors by Buffalo’s defense. Coyle hit a two-RBI double to left center during this rally.
Buffalo broke away for good starting in the sixth inning with multiple RBI hits. Despite an RBI sacrifice fly from Doherty for BU, Buffalo extended its lead further with four more runs in their final at-bat.
BU attempted another comeback in their last opportunity by loading the bases with two outs. Kieren McHugh followed an RBI walk by Kline with a two-RBI double but was left stranded as Doherty singled up the middle for another run before Buffalo closed out the win.
Boston University will next play at the Carolina Classic from February 13-15, facing Louisville twice along with games against host South Carolina and Kennesaw State. Their first matchup is scheduled against Louisville on Friday at 11 a.m., followed by South Carolina later that day.
