GULF SHORES, Ala. - The Lee softball team finished up the Gulf Shores Invitational at 3-2 after dropping its final game of the weekend to Lander University, 7-3 on Sunday morning.

The Bearcats wasted little time getting the bats going as they piled on three runs in the first frame before the Lady Flames came to bat.

Freshman Taylor De Adder (1-1) started and was tagged with the loss as she gave up four runs on five hits in one-plus inning of work. 

Stevie Baird came on in relief and tossed the final six innings. Baird was charged with three runs on seven hits. 

Kelli McCormick had three hits while Chandler Carey had a pair of hits and drove in three to lead the Bearcats.

Ashley Vinson (1-1) went the distance in the circle for Lander and gave up three runs on seven hits. She struck out four and gave up just one walk.

Brooklynn Frazier went 2 for 3 with a double and two RBI to lead Lee offensively. Kayla Gooch also had two hits and a double and scored two runs. 

"It was a good growing weekend. We knew it would be tough with some injuries in the circle but overall we managed to throw pretty well," said Lee head coach Emily Russell. "We have a plan with goals for each each group on our team. We have to trust that striving for those goals will be enough."

The loss drops Lee to 3-2 while Lander improved to 3-1.

The Lady Flames will head back on the road on next weekend as they take part in the NFCA Leadoff Classic from Clearwater, Fla. Lee opens things up on Friday at 10 a.m. against Molloy College.

"The positives are that we can address the issues together before next weekend. There were a lot of good things that happened and when we make the necessary adjustments we should see more good things next weekend," concluded Russell.