Lafayette, La. - The Lady Topper's (29-28) come back in the top of the fifth fell short to Florida Atlantic 4-3, in the first game of the Sun Belt Conference tournament Wednesday afternoon.
The Lady Toppers tallied three runs off eight hits, out-hitting FAU 8-6. WKU tallied a three-run inning in the bottom of the fifth in a comeback effort. Freshman Amanda Thomas tallied two hits, one double for two RBIs. Sophomore Katrina Metoyer went three-for-four with one run. Freshman Kelsie Mattox, sophomore Ciara Garcia and junior Laura Smith all tallied hits in the game. Sophomore Mallorie Sulaski pitched for the Lady Toppers giving up four runs, one earned, off six hits, striking out four FAU batters. Sulaski's record falls to 12-11 on the season.
FAU brought the first runs in at the bottom of the third inning off two hits and two Lady Topper errors. Florida Atlantic opened with a single up the middle followed by a sacrifice bunt and reaching on an error. A strikeout and a ground-out moved runners to second and third. An error brought one run in. A single through the left side brought the second run in. A hit by pitch loaded the bases with a wild pitch bringing the third run in for the Owls.
The Owls added one run off two hits in the bottom of the fourth inning. A single to left field a walk and a sacrifice bunt put runners at second and third. A single to center field brought one run in for a 4-0 lead over WKU.
The Lady Toppers battled back with three runs off three hits in the top of the fifth to bring the game within one run. Garcia reached after being hit by the pitch. Sophomore Katrina Metoyer singled through the left side, before Mattox loaded the bases after being hit by the pitch. A single to center field by Thomas brought Garcia and Metoyer in, an error on the throw brought Mattox in for the third run.
WKU had a chance to take the lead in the top of the seventh inning leaving two runners stranded. With one out, Metoyer hit a single up the middle followed by a single through the left side by Mattox before strike out and fly out ended the come back for the Lady Toppers.
The Lady Toppers (29-28) will take on ULM (27-27) in round two of the Sun Belt Conference tournament tomorrow at 10 a.m. in Lafayette, La.
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