Bowling Green, Ky.-- Cumberland holds off Georgetown for a one run victory in the second round of the MSC tournament. Despite Georgetown’s early lead, a big fifth inning put the Phoenix on top. 

The Phoenix recorded ten hits in the game with each batter adding one. Kenzie France hit the lone homer of the game during an exciting inning for CU. 

Anna Lay kicked off the eventful first inning with a leadoff double and a score on an error at Georgetown’s third base. The Phoenix’s lead was short lived as the Tigers answered right back in the bottom, earning one run on one hit to tie it up 1-1.

The Tigers cracked the tie at the bottom of the third, forcing Cooper out of the circle after earning three runs on four hits. Bailey Griffith entered the game in relief and forced a groundout, sending it into the fourth with a 5-1 deficit. 

Despite hits from Ashley Evans and Abby Chappell, the Phoenix were unable to cut into Georgetown’s lead at the top of the fourth. The Tigers spread out the difference in the bottom with another run for a 6-1 score.

The Phoenix reclaimed the lead in the fifth with a six run inning, highlighted by France’s second home run of the season. Koczersut got the action going with a leadoff single and was scored on the next-at bat by France’s two-run homer. Cumberland continued to swing well and found a two run advantage at 7-5, forcing two pitching changes to be made on Georgetown's side. The Tigers were able to cut down to a one run game at the bottom, scoring one on one hit. 

After avoiding any CU runs at the top of the seventh, Georgetown had an opportunity to tie it in the bottom with runners on third and first with one out. A smart play made by France took Mallory Myers out at home to clinch the second out. Griffith forced a groundout on the next play to secure Cumberland’s 7-6 victory. 

The Phoenix will have a quick turnaround as they continue on with an 11 am match against the University of the Cumberlands tomorrow.