GULF SHORES, Ala. - On Friday night, the Union University softball team opened their season against No. 24 Oklahoma Christian University. Although the Lady Bulldogs outhit the Eagles 11-10, it was not enough to secure the win as they ultimately fell 8-4.

Senior Brooke Puckett led the Union offense with a 3-4 game and three RBIs. All three hits led to extra bases, including a two-run homer in the top of the third and an RBI double in the fifth. Fellow seniors Sarah Kate Thompson and Morgan Jennings and freshman Lexi Vircks each collected two base knocks in the contest, while Vircks also drove in a run.

The Eagles struck first, scoring three runs in the first inning. Union added two runs in the third and one in the fourth to tie it up, but Oklahoma Christian retook the lead in the home half of the fourth and never looked back.

Senior Kira Finkley pitched all six innings for the Lady Bulldogs in her season debut, giving up 10 hits and eight earned runs. She also struck out two Eagles and walked four.

Up next, Union will compete in day two of the Gulf Shores Invitational tomorrow Feb. 1. The team will face Lubbock Christian University at 9:30 a.m. and Saint Leo University at 11:45 a.m.

-UNION-