BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Senior Bailee Hall blasted the 40th home run of her Tug Valley career May 5, but the Lady Panthers could not overcome five errors in a 6-1 loss at George Washington.

Despite matching the Lady Patriots with five hits, Tug Valley struggled defensively as George Washington turned extra opportunities into runs.

The Lady Patriots grabbed a 2-0 lead in the first inning after a Tug Valley error allowed two runs to score. George Washington added three more runs in the third inning, capitalizing on another Panther error and a dropped third strike to extend the advantage to 5-0.

Hall put Tug Valley on the board in the fifth inning with a solo shot to center field. The homer was her 13th of the season and 40th of her Tug Valley career.

Hall finished 2-for-4 with a home run and a double to lead the Lady Panthers offensively. Emma Lackey doubled while Gracie Hynd and Caylee Steele added singles.

Lackey took the loss despite allowing just one earned run over three innings. The right-hander surrendered six runs on three hits while striking out five and walking one.

Hall also pitched three scoreless innings in relief, allowing two hits while helping keep the Lady Patriots off the scoreboard late.

Kynzi Bellamy earned the win for George Washington after striking out 11 batters and allowing one run on five hits over seven innings.

Natalie Tomblin paced the Lady Patriots, going 2-for-4 with a triple and two runs scored.