While Milligan students and faculty headed in all directions last week for spring break, the Milligan College women’s softball team headed to Savannah, Ga. for the Savannah College of Art and Design Spring Break Smash Hit Tournament. After playing eight games in four days, the Lady Buffs captured four victories but were also shut out four times.

“It was a rough couple of days, but the entire season has not started on a good note,” said junior Courtney Ruth.

The Lady Buffs opened the week with an 8-4 win against Concordia University (Neb.). Milligan scored early in the first inning when sophomore Sarah Smith headed for home plate after Ruth was walked to first base. Concordia also scored in the first inning, but the Lady Buffs advanced further and further from their foe, doubling their score.

Monday’s second, third and fourth games all ended in shutouts against Bellevue University (Neb.), 0-10; Martin Methodist University (Tenn.), 0-8; Bellevue, 0-14; and Evangel University (Mo.), 0-9.  

The Lady Buffs found their footing again on Wednesday afternoon, defeating Urbana University (Ohio) 9-3.

“We ended the week playing some good ball, though, and hopefully we will maintain that tone for the rest of the season,” Ruth said.

Milligan ended the tournament on a high note with two wins on Thursday. The first was the team’s only shutout of the tournament against Wentworth Institute of Technology (Mass.) 10-0. On Thursday afternoon, the Lady Buffs faced and defeated Urbana once again with a 4-2 score.

With four victories and four losses, the Lady Buffs left the warm weather of the south to head back to the cold and rainy weather of east Tennessee that has kept them from playing any games this past week. Milligan’s record stands at 9-7 for the season and 5-3 for the Appalachian Athletic Conference.

The Lady Buffs are scheduled to take on conference rival Brevard College (N.C.) this afternoon at home.