CLERMONT, Fla. — The Thomas University softball team lost 17-3 in five innings to University of South Carolina Beaufort on Saturday afternoon in the championship game of the Sun Conference Softball Championship Tournament held at PFX Athletics – Legends Way Ballfields.

USCB (40-11) plated four in the top of the first, and Thomas (25-22) scored three in the bottom of the frame, but the Sand Sharks went on to score six in the third, two in the fourth and five in the fifth.

In the bottom of the first, shortstop Holly Campbell hit a leadoff double to right center, then with one out, outfielder Gaby Mora hit an RBI double to left. Second baseman Hannah Wilde then singled to left field and third baseman Corryne Diaz put down a sacrifice bunt, which allowed Mora to score. Designated hitter Addyson Mauldin punched an RBI single to left, plating TU’s third run of the inning.

Starting pitcher Sheala Brown struck out one, and allowed nine runs – seven earned – from eight hits in 2 1/3 innings. Reliever Rebecca Boesen struck out three in 1 1/3 innings and Margarita Sena closed the game with one strikeout in 1 1/3 innings.