Lions defeated by Trojans in return to SAC play

ANDERSON, S.C. - The Mars Hill softball team (5-6, 1-3 SAC) was swept on the road versus Anderson (13-1, 4-0 SAC) by scores of 2-0 and 6-2 Thursday afternoon.

GAME ONE: AU 2, MHU 0

A Lions' error in the bottom of the first allowed the only two runs of the game to score, giving Anderson the game one victory.  

A flyball to center field was misplayed, allowing the runners on second and third, Jessica Neadow and Kayson Boatner, to score.  

Both teams remained hitless until the top of the fourth inning when Maggie Langheim singled to left field.  The Lions recorded the only other hit of the game in the top of the sixth with a Brookelynn Nanney single.

Harlie Duncan struck out eight, allowing two hits in the complete game victory.  Marissa Adame threw a no-hitter in the loss, striking out five, but walking seven.  The no-hitter was the first for the Lions since 2019 (March 2 vs. Lander).

GAME TWO: AU 6, MHU 2

The Anderson bats came alive in game two, recording six runs on eight hits to complete the sweep.

The Trojans opened the scoring in the bottom of the third with a Kennedy Burton RBI single that plated Kennedy Burton and Mattie Cantrell.  Cantrell put the Trojans up by two in the fourth with a RBI single.  Later in the frame, she scored her second run of the contest as Jessica Neadow drove in two with a double to left center field.

Sydney Craig cut broke the shutout bid in the top of the fifth with a solo home run to left field, her first of the season. 

An Anderson error in the top of the sixth saw their lead cut to two, but Kayson Boatner's solo shot in the bottom half of the frame rebuilt their three-run lead.

Laken Maxwell struck out 10 in the complete game performance.  Kayla Gallagher suffered the loss, allowing four earned runs on eight hits while striking out three.

The Lions return to action in non-conference play versus Chowan on Sunday, March 7 in their home opener.  First pitch is set for 12 p.m.