A late rally wasn’t enough for the University of Toledo softball team Friday.

The Rockets scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning in a 9-7 season-ending loss to Ball State in the Mid-American Conference tournament.

“I could not be more proud of what this team has accomplished,” Toledo coach Jessica Bracamonte said. “Our seniors will really be missed. The mountains they have moved to set this program up for future success is remarkable, and I am so honored to be called coach by them. Yes, we improved and increased success on the field this season. But the things they have accomplished from the inside out are what I’m most proud of. They have defined what it means to love and play for one another above all else. The culture and foundation of our program have been set and will continue to take us to new heights because of them. The future of Toledo softball continues to be extremely bright.”

UT shortstop Eli Enriquez had three hits, and left fielder Lauren Erickson drove in two runs, one on a solo homer. 

The Rockets stranded eight runners.

Two home runs in the third inning gave Ball State a 3-0 lead. The Cardinals led 9-1 after five innings before Toledo mounted a furious comeback bid. The tying run came to the plate in the bottom of the seventh, but a groundout and line drive ended the threat and the season. 

First Published May 11, 2024, 1:38 a.m.