BLUEFIELD - The Big Blue softballers dropped a home doubleheader Sunday afternoon to the Carolina Bruins, 12-1 and 8-5. It was a disappointing Senior Day for Ashlee Brassart, Jessi Foster and Lisette Rosales.

Foster started for the Big Blue in Game 1, but only threw four pitches giving up a leadoff walk. She was relieved by freshman Kennedy James.

The Bruins scored four in the first on a bases-clearing double by Jade Durr and another double by Natalie Jones.

The Big Blue countered with one in the bottom of the inning. Lisette Rosales scored on a bunt by Hannah Fisher and a throwing error by Bruins third baseman Maggie Smith.

Unfortunately, that would end the scoring for the Big Blue as the Bruins' Danielle Brooks pitched a complete game.

James shut out the Bruins the next three innings. However, Carolina broke it open with eight in the fifth, assisted by two Big Blue errors. James pitched 4 2/3 innings giving up eleven runs (six earned).

Kylie Nelson relieved for the final out of the inning.

The game ended after Bluefield State failed to score in the bottom of the fifth.

The Big Blue hung tough in the nightcap behind Brassart's complete game pitching. The senior allowed eight runs. However, only three were earned as the Bruins were helped by four errors. Brassart also had a big day at the plate, collecting three hits and scoring once.

Carolina jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning, errors leading to two unearned runs.

Bluefield State tied it in the bottom of the second on a two-run double by Hannah Fisher and a sacrifice fly by Jessie Foster.

Carolina added single runs in the third and fifth, plus two more in the sixth for a 7-3 lead.

The Big Blue fought back with a run in the bottom of the sixth.

After the Bruins added one more in the top of the seventh, the Big Blue tried to rally scoring one more in the bottom of the inning. But, as with many games this season, the short-handed Big Blue came up on the short end of the stick.

Next Up...

The season concludes with a home doubleheader Sunday, April 25, against Alice Lloyd. First game starts at 1 p.m.