Box Score NASHVILLE - The Georgia Southern softball squad opened up play at the Purple & Gold Challenge Friday with a 5-3 loss to the host Lipscomb Lady Bisons at Draper Diamond.

The Bisons got off to a quick start in the first inning when Abby Fenichel homered to left field. The Eagles, facing Mandy Jordan and her sub-0.80 ERA, kept battling before manufacturing some production in the third inning. Shelby Wilson walked and moved up to second base when Sydney Fisher reached on an error. Haley Carter's ground out moved both runners up and then Wilson scored on Alesha Mann's infield single. Logan Harrell then doubled to drive in both Fisher and Mann to cap a three-run stanza.

In the fourth inning, Lipscomb (10-2) responded with a run on three hits to cut the lead to one before re-taking the lead in the fifth inning on a bases-clearing double to the gap by Jordan Fortel to plate three runs.

"We knew coming in to today that Lipscomb was going to be a tough team," said GS head coach Kim Dean. "They did a good job capitalizing on a couple of their own opportunities and taking advantage of a couple our our miscues. We will definitely take this game as a learning experience and we can't wait to get back on the field tomorrow to use it as a chance to get better."

Jordan improved to 6-0 in the circle for the Bisons, limiting the eagles to four hits. Mann led the way at the plate with a pair of hits while Harrell and Allyssah Mullis both had one.

Kierra Camp (L, 6-3) went the distance, allowing five runs on nine hits with three walks and three strikeouts.

The Eagles (10-4) will return to action on Saturday, taking on Indiana State at 11 a.m., and then Lipscomb again at 4 p.m. Both times listed are Eastern.