Lions split with Queens in road finale

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Mars Hill softball team (12-21, 3-18 SAC) split with Queens (7-23, 3-19 SAC) in their final road series of the 2021 season, taking game one by a score of 10-2, but falling 2-1 in game two.

GAME ONE: MHU 10, QU 2

With the offense led by Danielle Harris and Maggie Langheim, the Lions took down the Royals in game one, 10-2.

The Lions scored five runs in the opening stanza as Peyton Duba drove in the first run with a RBI single down the left field line.  Later in the frame, Langheim hit a three-run shot over the center field fence.

In the top of the fifth, Alicia Wittenhagen drove in Miranda Marks with a RBI double.  Harris hit her three-run home run in the fifth, plating Wittenhagen and Ashley Hamlin.  In the top of the seventh, Micki Maxson added a solo home run down the left field line.

Harris and Langheim each drove in three while they, along with Wittenhagen, recorded a team-high two hits apiece.  Sabrina Martinez led the Royals with two hits.

Marissa Adame added to her record for most strikeouts in a season, wringing up four Royals in two innings.  Emily Van Horn earned the win, striking out five and allowing one run on three hits in five innings.

GAME TWO: QU 2, MHU 1

The Royals emerged victorious in the low scoring outing, plating both runs in the first inning to pick up the split.

Following a Mars Hill error that allowed the first run to score, Haley Hmiel's sacrifice fly allowed Breanna Martinez to score the game-winning run.

Micki Maxson cut the lead in half in the top of the fifth with a RBI single that scored Paige Jeffries.

Martinez and Kayla Smith led all players with two hits apiece.

Kayla Gallagher, despite striking out nine, was credited with the loss.  Victoria Elder earned the win, allowing one run on five hits in the complete game effort.

The Lions return home on Saturday, April 17 when they host UVA Wise in their penultimate series.  Senior Day first pitch is set for 1 p.m.