(LAURINBURG, N.C. ) – The Truett McConnell University softball team traveled to face Appalachian Athletic Conference member St. Andrews University, where the Lady Bears showed out on offensive through both games to remain perfect in AAC play (19-3, 13-3). TMU rises to a record of 13-3, 6-0 AAC, while the Knights fall to 6-18, 1-9 AAC.
GAME 1 | 19-3
The Lady Bears hit the board early with a Justin Gorton triple to center field and Briley Lawson sacrifice fly (1-0). The Knights capitalized on TMU’s defensive mistakes to add a run of their own (1-1). TMU responded with 12 runs on 10 hits in the third inning, featuring a Lawson two-run homerun and Cassie Boatright three-run homerun (6-1). A double from Isabella Sullivan paired with a Boatright double and Mattie Brooks single continued to add to the Lady Bears’ lead (13-1). The top of the fourth saw singles from Camryn Halliday, Rachael Arnold and Riley Fulcher. A grand-slam blast from Boatright ultimately put the game out of reach, giving TMU a 19-3 victory.
LEADERS
Gorton led the way offensively, going 3-5 at the plate with four runs, while Jenna O’Brien was 3-3 with three RBIs and three runs. Boatright went 3-4 at the plate with eight RBIs and three runs, followed by Grace Folds going 1-3 with one run and one RBI.
Pitcher Olivia Haag recorded her first win of the season, recording four strikeouts over three innings. Kyleigh Sanders was seen striking out four over two innings.
GAME 2 | 13-3
In game two, the Knights took an early lead by taking advantage of defensive mistakes (0-3). TMU quickly responded with a single from Boatright, followed by stealthy base running to put a runner in scoring position. A single from Rachel Morgan pushed one run across, followed by a walk from Folds and a clutch pinch hit from Brooks to even the score (3-3). The top of the third saw an O’Brien double and Hailey Cronic hit by pitch to put runners into scoring position. A game-changing double from Morgan gave the Lady Bears the lead (5-3). The top of the fourth was sparked by a Folds double and Gorton walk, seeing a Lawson three-run shot over the fence put the game out of reach (8-3). TMU continued to rally with a Sullivan hit by pitch and Gorton single (9-3). Another Boatright double paired with TMU capitalizing on defensive errors secured a 13-3 victory over the Knights.
LEADERS
Boatright led the way offensively, going 2-2 at the plate with two RBIs and two runs, while Morgan was 2-3 with three RBIs and one run. Folds was seen going 1-2 with one run, along with Gorton going 1-2 with one RBI and two runs. Lawson went 1-3 with three RBIs and one run.
Pitcher Kyndall Gipson recorded the win after tossing a complete game, recording six strikeouts.
UP NEXT
The Lady Bears remain on the road as they head to Lawrenceville, Ga. on Thursday, March 16 for a non-conference double-header against Georgia Gwinnett College. Game times are set for 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
