Bufalo Bulls Softball opens season with 0-2 Friday in Louisiana

At least two games in, a pair of new pitchers and a bunch of new faces in the lineup haven't yet brought significant change to UB Softball from last season. Opening this 2016 slate Friday, the Bulls lost 4-3 on a walkoff to Tennessee-Martin and 8-4 to Southeastern Louisiana.

The walkoff loss is all too familiar from last year, when UB dropped a number of close games late, while the margin in the second was built on a big fourth inning for Southeastern Louisiana.

A bright spot, though, from last year was no errors on the day for the Bulls, who averaged 2.4 per game in 2015.

The changes don't stop on defense, though, as the first game saw three freshmen in the starting lineup, along with freshman Lace Smith in the pitcher's circle. Courtney Gilbert was the most impressive Bull on the day, going 3-4, while Smith pitched the full game, though five of her nine hits allowed and two of Tennessee-Martin's four runs came in the final two innings.

Against Southeastern Louisiana a different freshman took the circle, as Ally Power got the start. Power got through the first three innings tied 2-2 with the Lions, but got into trouble in the fourth, giving up a quick run and then a three-run shot that put the hosts up for good. Sophomore Charlotte Miller relieved her but gave up another pair of runs in the sixth and UB couldn't get closer than three.

Offensively, Lauren Gambone hit a homerun for the Bulls, while Danielle Lallos and Savanna Norcio each had a pair of hits.

UB remains in Louisiana for the weekend, and will take on Tennessee State and Nicholls State tomorrow.