BABSON PARK, Fla.- The Ave Maria University softball team could not get their bats going in their first games in nearly two weeks, and fell victim to one big inning in a 9-0 loss to the Webber International University Warriors in Babson Park. The Gyrenes managed just one hit over the game's five innings, and surrendered a six-run fourth inning to turn a manageable 3-0 deficit into a 9-0 run rule loss.

Webber got on the board early, scoring two runs in the first inning and another in the bottom of the second. The Warriors did not record a hit in the first inning, but pushed two runs across thanks to three walks, a passed ball, and a groundout. Webber added another run without the aid of a hit in the second inning, as two walks and two wild pitches allowed the third Warrior of the afternoon to cross home plate. 

After Kassandra Clark worked a scoreless third inning to keep the Warriors off the board, all five of Webber's hits came in the fourth inning. Chloe Rayner, Haley Saylor, and Brandy Barquin all recorded run scoring singles during the inning, and Maddie Houtz finished off the scoring with a two-run home run, giving the Warriors a 9-0 lead that would enact the run rule in the fifth inning.

Annie Nudera and Cecilia Garrett were the lone Gyrenes to reach base on Friday, accounting for all four of AMU's baserunners. Nudera reached base twice on walks, upping her team-high on base percentage to .500 on the season. Garrett also drew a walk, and recorded Ave Maria's only hit of the afternoon, a single with two outs in the top of the fifth that denied the Warriors a five-inning no hitter.

The Gyrenes will have a chance to shake off the opening game loss on Saturday, with two games on the slate between Ave Maria and Webber. AMU will look to end their current eight game losing streak during the twinbill, and earn their third Sun Conference series victory of the 2023 season. Opening pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 11 a.m. in Babson Park.