BATESVILLE, AR -- The Blackburn College Softball team opened St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play by visiting first-year member Lyon College Friday afternoon but fell to the Scots 2-1 and 7-3. 

In the first game, freshman Kenadee Frey gave the Beavers a 1-0 lead with a sacrifice fly in the top of the sixth inning to score freshman Shelby Koeing. However, Lyon answered with a two run home run in the bottom of the sixth which proved the difference to give the hosts a 2-1 win. 

Sophomore Zoe Mitchell put Blackburn ahead in the first inning with a double to score Frey. Senior Lexi Shaw extended the lead in the second when she hit a ball that resulted in a Scot error which resulted in Grace Mackey scoring. After Lyon scored two runs in the bottom of the second to tie the game, sophomore Breana Allen singled and junior Miley Kwiatkowski scored, making it 3-2 after the bottom of the fourth inning. The hosts responded to tie it and the game was still tied heading into the bottom of the seventh inning. Unfortunately Lyon was able to take a 7-3 victory with a grand slam home run. 

Allen led the team on the day with a total of three hits, a run batted in and a stolen base. Mackey and sophomore Brianna Melchor added two hits each. Mackey and Koeing notched a double as well. 

Blackburn falls to 9-11 on the season and are now 0-2 in the conference whlie Lyon improved to 9-9 overall, 2-0 in league play. The Beavers return to their home field Saturday to take on Principia in games that will count as a scrimmage due to scheduling issues with Principia. They will then enjoy a week from action before hosting SLIAC foe Spalding on Sunday, April 7.