BLUEFIELD, Va. — Salem University battled offensively in both games of a doubleheader at Bluefield State on April 15, but ultimately came up short, falling 11-6 in game one and 4-1 in game two.

Game 1: Salem 6, Bluefield State 11

Salem showed offensive firepower early and often, collecting eight hits and six runs, highlighted by multiple extra-base hits and two home runs.

After falling behind 2-0 in the first inning, Salem responded in the second when Abigail Harki launched a solo home run to cut the deficit in half.

The Tigers continued to answer in the third inning as Jacobi Gledhill delivered a two-run home run to tie the game at 3-3.

Following a big inning from Bluefield State, Salem refused to go away. In the fourth, the Tigers plated three runs, fueled by a run-scoring double from Alyssa Schultz and a two-RBI double by Gledhill, trimming the deficit to 9-6.

Gledhill finished with a team-high four RBIs on two hits, while Schultz went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI. Harki added a home run and RBI, and Bella Ortiz contributed a hit and a run scored.

Despite the offensive effort, Salem was unable to slow Bluefield State's momentum, as the hosts scored 11 runs on 10 hits. The Tigers pitching staff combined to allow 11 runs, with Kendall Lemley and Brooke Wise splitting time in the circle.

Game 2: Salem 1, Bluefield State 4

Game two turned into a pitcher's duel early, with Salem holding Bluefield State to just three hits despite the loss.

Bluefield State struck first in the opening inning, capitalizing on a Salem error to take a 1-0 lead.

Salem answered in the fourth inning when Layla McClung crushed a solo home run to left field, evening the score at 1-1.

The game remained tight until the fifth inning, when Bluefield State capitalized on opportunities to plate two runs, followed by an RBI double in the sixth to extend the lead to 4-1.

Salem totaled six hits in the contest, with Ortiz leading the way with two hits. McClung accounted for the lone RBI with her home run, while Brooke Wise, Alyssa Schultz, and Ali Jacobs each added a hit.

In the circle, Ali Shrieve turned in a solid performance, allowing just three hits across five innings while striking out one, but was hindered by seven walks and defensive miscues. Wise added a scoreless inning of relief.

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Salem will look to bounce back as they continue their road swing, aiming to build on the offensive positives shown throughout the doubleheader.