AUBURN, Ala. – The UMass Lowell softball team closed out the Tiger Invitational with a 3-2 record on Sunday afternoon after falling to the hosting Auburn Tigers, 8-0, in five innings.
 
The River Hawks generated three hits in the contest at the hands of sophomore Becca Vaillancourt (Tiverton, R.I.), graduate student Maria Moccio (Feeding Hills, Mass.) and junior Brenna Davenport (Merrimack, N.H.). In the circle, junior Chelsea Runyon (Scripps Ranch, Calif.) pitched for three innings, surrendering eight hits and three walks.
 
"We competed today," said Head Coach Jen Starek. "Obviously the score may not look like it to an outsider, but we made some good plays - played good situational defense, had some competitive at-bats. Our pitchers threw well. If we can play at that level all of the time and continue to develop as a team, we will be in a good place by conference. I think building some confidence early with the first couple of wins and playing competitively with an SEC team is a great way to show what we are capable of and helps us get ready for pressure games down the stretch."
 
The Tigers hit two home runs in the ballgame, including a third-inning solo shot that gave Auburn the 6-0 advantage.
 
UMass Lowell responded following a Tiger pitching change, with Vaillancourt shooting a single into right field. Freshman Emily Tow (North Kingstown, R.I.) pinch ran and moved into scoring position after an infield error on a chopper hit to the shortstop by Moccio. One batter later, Davenport made contact and drove a ball into right field, giving the green light to Tow to head for home. Despite getting a clean chance at the plate, she was tagged out before getting a foot in, ending the inning.
 
A two out, RBI double for the opponents ended the outing after five frames.

As a result of their efforts, three River Hawks were named to the Tiger Invitational All-Tournament Team. Vaillancourt hit .364 (4-11) and recorded three RBI, drew three walks, and came home to score once. Graduate Student Olivia Labbe (Rochester, Mass.) was also selected for hitting .357 (5-14), leading to three doubles, four runs, and one RBI. Lastly, junior Ryley White (Wareham, Mass.) had success both in the battes box and in the pitchers circle. She batted .333 (3-9) to register four RBI for UMass Lowell. On defense she struck out 14 of her 57 batters faced and finished the weekend with a 2.05 ERA.
 
The River Hawks have a few days to rest before hitting the road once again to take part in the Elon Invitational. The tournament begins Saturday, February 19, when the River Hawks face off against the hosting Elon, as well as Providence and Morgan State on Sunday.