MELBOURNE, Fla. - Maddie Pickett and Taylor Zajac pitched three innings each, combining to allow just three runs, but the Bentley softball team came up just short against Bridgeport, 3-2, Saturday afternoon. The Falcons lost their second game of the day, 9-0, against No. 15 Saginaw Valley State. The games were played at the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) Space Coast Complex.

Pickett made her 2026 season debut in the circle against Bridgeport, and she surrendered only two hits and a walk. As a freshman a year ago, Picket posted a 3.59 ERA through 95.2 innings. Zajac, a freshman, pitched in relief against Bridgeport. She allowed just three hits and a walk. She has yielded only three earned runs in her last 7.2 innings.

Bridgeport scored a run in the bottom of the first inning, but the Falcons tied it up in the fourth. Ella Bunovsky reached base with an infield hit, and she eventually made her way to third. Becca Harris drew a one-out walk to put runners on the corners, and then the Falcons got aggressive. Bentley called for a double steal – although Harris was thrown out, Bunovsky scored before the tag for the third out.  

The Purple Knights reclaimed a one-run lead, 2-1, in the bottom of fourth. They went up 3-1 up after five innings. Bentley's second run came in the sixth inning. Katie Welch drew a leadoff walk, and Jess Morrison came in to pinch run. Morrison promptly stole second and third, and she scored on a groundout by Bunovsky.  

Bentley's Space Coast trip continues with games against West Chester and Bemidji State Sunday, March 7.