Nashville --- In the season finale, the Tennessee State University softball team fell short against Southeast Missouri, dropping the single game 8-7 on Sunday evening at Tiger Field.

 

In a game that featured over a two-hour rain delay and experienced non-stop rain throughout nearly its entirety, TSU saw its OVC Tournament berth chances slip away. TSU needed a win in order to secure a spot in the tournament as only the top six teams participate.

 

The Tigers finish the season with an overall record of 18-31, with an OVC mark of 8-15 while the Redhawks improve to 27-19, 16-8 OVC.

 

Bridget Metzger had an impressive day at the plate, going 2-for-2 with two walks and two RBIs. Pitcher Caitlin Eaton (12-14) was charged with the loss but also notched two RBIs in the contest.

 

TSU captured a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third.  After Jennifer Culberson reached first and advanced to second on an error, Bridget Metzger followed with a single to the shortstop. Both runners then advanced on a passed ball before crossing the plate on a single by Caitlin Eaton.

 

SEMO cut the deficit down to 2-1 with a run in the top of the fourth before firing off four runs in the top of the fifth to claim a 5-2 advantage.

 

TSU mounted a comeback in the bottom of the fifth as Culberson's lead off walk and Bridget Metzger's double to left center put the Tigers within two (5-3).

 

The next batter, Brittany Webb, reached first and advanced to second on a throwing error while Bridget Metzger moved to third.

 

Metzger plated on a wild pitch before pinch runner Kristin Powell scored on a sacrifice fly from Melanie Cruz to tie the game 5-5.  

 

With two outs and a runner on second, the light rain became heavy rain and a delay occurred.

 

After a two hour and ten minute delay, with the game still tied 5-5 and a runner on second, TSU recorded its third out and the fifth inning ended.

 

The Redhawks reclaimed the lead, 8-5, when they scored three runs in the top of the sixth before TSU answered with a run to cut the SEMO lead down to 8-6 in the bottom of the frame.

 

The Tigers threatened again in the bottom of the seventh, once again cutting down the Redhawk advantage. A Melanie Cruz walked coupled with a Nichole Vincent single and a passed ball put runners on second and third.

 

On the ensuing play, Royesha Goodman reached on a fielder's choice that scored Cruz and made the score 8-7.

 

With two outs, a SEMO throwing error gave TSU another base runner but the Tigers wouldn't be able to capitalize as the inning ended with two stranded on base and the Redhawks leading 8-7.

 

Seniors Melanie Cruz and Royesha Goodman were recognized in the pre-game ceremony as today was senior day at Tiger Field.