MARSHALL, Texas - Facing off against #8 Belhaven University in a NFCA Division III top 10 showdown, the #4 East Texas Baptist University softball team split their doubleheader on Friday at Taylor Field. BU took game one, 5-1, but ETBU bounced back with a 2-0 shutout win in game two. ETBU maintains a hold on first place by one game at 23-4 overall and 19-4 in the American Southwest Conference.
 
BU held the ETBU bats in check in game one as the Tigers fell, 5-1. ETBU produced just two hits all game long as Nikki Gil (run scored) and Mariah Delgado each collected a hit. Hannah Kelley went five innings, but conceded all five runs on six hits with three strikeouts to take the loss. Murin Musicant finished the final two innings with one strikeout allowing just one hit and no runs.
 
ETBU rebounded with a 2-0 victory in game two. Tauryn Cummings posted a team high two hits while Tristen Maddox (hit) and Gil each recorded a RBI. Musicant sealed her first win of the season with seven shutout innings allowing just three hits and recording one strikeout. 
 

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Game 1: BU 5, ETBU 1 
The first inning saw each starting pitcher overcome a leadoff runner on base as neither team scored. It looked as though BU would have the first run in the second inning but it was nullified due to the runner leaving early on a sacrifice fly attempt. The Tigers would be held without a hit for four innings despite three runners on base by way of walks. 
 
In the top of the fifth inning, BU broke through with five runs. The Tigers ended BU's no-hit bid in the bottom of the fifth when Gil reached on a hit and scored on the three-base error for the lone run. The Tigers would manage one hit for the fifth inning before falling, 5-1. 
 

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Game 2: ETBU 2, BU 0
The Tigers would get their first lead of the day in the first inning as Maddox drove in Delgado in the first for an early 1-0 lead. ETBU added a second run in the second inning when Gil reached on a fielder's choice that scored Sarah Cedillo. BU would have their first base runner reach on a hit by pitch in the fourth but Musicant didn't allow them to advance. 
 
The no-hitter lasted until one out in the sixth inning when BU recorded their first hit. Musicant retired the next two hitters to keep the shutout intact. The Blazers did threaten with the tying runs on base in the seventh before the final two outs were recorded to come away with the 2-0 victory.
 
Control for first place in the East Division will be decided on Saturday at 12:00 PM as the Strikeout Cancer game will take place.