Birmingham, AL-The Cleveland State softball team fell to Butler in the weekend finale at the UAB Green and Gold Classic on Sunday. The Vikings defeated the Bulldogs 3-2 in the nightcap on Saturday but could not do the same in the rematch. Butler got off to a fast start and won the game 6-1, dropping Cleveland State to 2-8 on the season.
Butler seized momentum early, as the first three hitters reached base to load the bases with no outs. Cleanup hitter Paige Dorsett followed with a grand slam that put the Bulldogs up 4-0.
In the third inning, Butler used another long ball to add to the lead, as Monique Hoosen hit a two-run shot to make it 6-0.
The Vikings rallied back and pushed across a run in the top of the 4th. Melissa Holzopfel led off with a single and took second on the throw. After a groundout to the right side advanced her to third, Torrie Jenkins followed with a sacrifice fly to get the Vikings on the scoreboard.
The Bulldogs held the Vikings scoreless the rest of the way, leading to the 6-1 final score. Cleveland State is back in action again this weekend, traveling to Charleston, SC for another weekend tournament hosted by the College of Charleston.