4-18-19
LAURINBURG, N.C. (April 17, 2019) – For the second year in a row, the No. 16 Truett McConnell University softball team claimed the Appalachian Athletic Conference regular-season title, which gives TMU an automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament, on Wednesday at St. Andrews University. The Lady Bears swept the Knights 6-0, 2-1.
TMU finished their regular season posting an overall record of 41-7, 24-2 AAC to complete the AAC season with just two losses. The Lady Bears did not get swept throughout all 13 conference doubleheaders and averaged 5.57 runs a game. The team ranks first in the AAC, third in the nation, in total putouts (935) and first in the AAC, ninth in the nation, in earned run average (1.84). TMU also leads the AAC in opponent batting average (.203).
GAME ONE (6-0)
After a leadoff single to second by Kaitlynn Johnson, Brie Levy’s ground out up the middle drove Johnson home in the top of the first to immediately put the Lady Bears on top (1-0). Jaden Morrison sparked the third inning with a bunt base hit and went on to steal second and third base. Morrison scored on a defensive mistake (2-0) and Johnson scored again for the Lady Bears, also on an error, to push a three run lead (3-0).
Another run came for TMU on a fielder’s obstruction in the top of the seventh (4-0) and Macey Dunway’s RBI single to left drove home Briley Lawson (5-0). Still holding St. Andrews hitless and scoreless, pinch runner Kataryna Fuller scored one more time (6-0) for the Lady Bears.
Bethany Hyde had an outstanding performance from the mound. Hyde held the Knights hitless through the first six innings. The junior was credited her 13th win of the season after throwing a complete game shutout of one hit, three walks and eight strikeouts.
LEADERS
Kathrine Kozlowski went perfect at the plate (2-for-2) including an RBI, walk and stolen base. Morrison followed going 2-for-3 with a run and two stolen bases. Johnson and Dunaway each went 2-for-4 with an RBI apiece. Johnson added two runs and two stolen bases.
GAME TWO (2-1)
Following two scoreless innings, Morrison led off with another bunt base hit and Sara Sullivan drove her home with a sacrifice fly (1-0). St. Andrews matched it with a run of their own in the bottom of the third (1-1) but Lawson capitalized at the plate for the Lady Bears. The freshman launched her ninth homer of the season over the right field fence on a full count to score the winning run for TMU (2-1).
Karley Hobbs, this week’s NAIA and AAC pitcher of the week, earned her NAIA-leading 28th win of her incredible sophomore campaign. The reigning AAC co-pitcher of the year allowed two hits, two walks while striking out four throughout all seven innings.
LEADERS
Morrison led the way going 2-for-3 at the plate while adding one run. Johnson, Lawson and Liz Bunton all added a hit apiece. Additionally, Johnson earned her third stolen base of the DH.
UP NEXT
With the regular season wrapped up, the No. 1-seeded Lady Bears will wait and see who they will face first in the AAC tournament that will take place in Kingsport, Tenn., on April 24-27. Game times for tournament will be announced when determined.
