First Base Call

[sprivitor]

Here's one that arose in a recent tournament for which our team participated. What would your call be?

Set the stage: ASA Softball tournament, Top of 3rd, score tied, no runners on base, 1 out. Questionable call evolves around Orange Base at first. Batter hits to F6, F6 fields ball and throws to F3. F3 has one foot on white bag as ball is thrown. BR collides with F3 as F3 catches ball. F3 holds onto ball and goes to ground in pain. Two or 3 seconds pass then F3 pulls hand out of glove with ball still in it. Umpire calls BR save because F3 did not "bring the ball up after the catch". My thought "well, yeah, she got knocked out almost!"

This had me in a quandry. I've never heard of this rule. Is this accurate? Further, doesn't F3 have the right to the white bag at first and BR the orange?

What would your call be?

Steve