BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - The Lindsey Wilson College softball team came inches away from a comeback rally in the seventh inning against Western Kentucky on Thursday.

With runners on first and second base, Blue Raider sophomore outfielder Megan Huckaby hit a deep fly to right field that was caught on a diving catch to secure a 2-1 win for the Hilltoppers in exhibition play.

Lindsey Wilson went ahead 1-0 in the first inning with a run by sophomore outfielder Emily Carnes.

After junior pitcher Anyibell Ramirez singled to start the game, Carnes reached first on a fielder's choice hit to the shortstop. Sophomore shortstop Jamie Williams drew a walk, pushing Carnes into scoring position at second base.

Another single by junior catcher Ally Goniea advanced the runners, allowing a fielder's choice grounder by junior first baseman Kelly McCarty to push Carnes across the plate.

The Blue Raider offense went stale after the score. Besides a hit by freshman outfielder Alexis Rodgers in the third inning, Lindsey didn't put another runner in scoring position until the fifth inning.

Luckily, the Lindsey Wilson defense was up to the challenge brought on by the Hilltoppers. The unit played error free and was led by stellar pitching performances from Ramirez and junior Morgan Paschall.

Ramirez recorded three strikeouts in three innings without giving up a walk and allowing just one run. Paschall controlled the Western Kentucky batters with a variety of pitches, forcing numerous grounders for easy outs.

With the Hilltoppers leading 2-1 late in the contest, Lindsey Wilson got a pair of opportunities to forge a comeback in the fifth and seventh innings.

Junior second baseman Kristen Spear reached third after being walked in the fifth, but two straight groundouts to the shortstop at the bottom of the order stranded Spear.

Then it was the spectacular Hilltopper catch in the seventh inning that spoiled the late-game heroics.

Spear and sophomore designated hitter Lindsey Bridges reached first and second after two straight walks. Huckaby's deep shot looked like a sure double, but the Western Kentucky right fielder made the tough play to end the Blue Raider rally.

Carnes finished the game hitting 1-for-2 and scored Lindsey Wilson's only run, while Ramirez and Goniea each delivered 2-for-3 performances at the plate.

Softball begins regular-season play on Feb. 25, 2010 with a doubleheader against Indiana University Southeast.