KINGSPORT, Tenn. (April 25, 2018) â€" Freshman Savannah Nocera drove in freshman Neelee Griffith to score the tying run against Reinhardt University in the opening round of the Appalachian Athletic Conference softball tournament, but ultimately the Milligan College softball team fell later in the sixth inning Tuesday afternoon (2-1).

Nocera, an All-Conference second team selection alongside Griffith, led the Buffs with a 2-for-3 effort.

After a scoreless first and second inning, the Eagles' Alise Hooks tripled down the right field line to send Madison Gianfala home for the first run of the game in the third (1-0). Nocera's single through the hole at shortstop that sent Griffith home took place immediately after in the top of the fourth. Both teams remained scoreless in the fifth inning but Reinhardt's Emma Adams single to third enabling the winning run sending the third base runner home (2-1).

Both Kassi Butcher and Brooke Stoltz pitched complete games. Butcher allowed seven hits and two runs while striking out three. Stoltz allowed four hits and one run while striking out nine.

The Buffs will face Montreat College on Thursday, April 26, at 11 a.m. at Brickyard Park in an elimination game. Montreat lost to top seeded Truett-McConnell (8-4) on Wednesday. Earlier this season Milligan swept Montreat on the road 3-0, 10-1 (5).