BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Second-seeded and 17th-ranked Faulkner (45-13) outlasted third-seeded and 24th-ranked Rio Grande (35-12) here in Game 1 of Bracket No. 2 in the Softball National Championship Opening Round this afternoon. The Lady Eagles capitalized on a bases-loaded walk in the eighth inning to secure the 1-0 victory.

Caitlin Perry (20-5) was masterful from the circle for Faulkner allowing just three hits while striking out five batters in the eight-inning shutout.

Kendall Bennett went 1-for-2 at the plate and tallied the lone RBI.

Faulkner will take on the winner of the No. 1 Campbellsville and No. 4 Madonna matchup tonight at 5:30. Inclement weather in Bowling Green has compressed the once three-day event into just two. The bracket championship is now slated for tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. with an if-necessary game scheduled for 3:30.