Lions close out season on Senior Day

MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill softball team (18-25, 6-18 SAC) concluded their 2023 season falling to UVA Wise (10-31, 6-18 SAC) in both games Friday afternoon by scores of 3-1 and 6-4.

GAME ONE: UVAW 3, MHU 1

The Cavaliers recorded 12 hits en route to their 3-1 game one win.

A pair of RBI singles from McKenna Falwell and Mallory Knight in the top of the first put UVA Wise up 2-0. Kara Long notched a RBI single in the second, extending the lead to three.

Mars Hill broke the shutout bid in the bottom of the third as Abby Gatch scored from third as Katie Todd reached on a fielder's choice.

Four Cavaliers posted two hits in the contest. Gatch, along with Kendall Bowers, Miranda Marks, Farley Park, and Maia Sholter recorded all five hits in game one for the Lions.

Falwell earned the complete game win, striking out nine.

GAME TWO: UVAW 6, MHU 4

UVA Wise used a five-run sixth frame to come from behind and steal game two from Mars Hill, 6-4.

After Abigail Mills' RBI single tied the game at two, a grand slam from Sarah Barrett gave the Cavaliers their second lead of the game. In the bottom of the sixth, Abby Gatch pulled Mars Hill within two with a two-run home run.

McKenna Falwell opened the scoring in the top of the third with a RBI double to right, plating Barrett. In the bottom of the fourth, Presley Dancy tied the game with a RBI single that scored Farley Park.

Kendall Bowers gave the Lions the lead in the bottom of the fifth with an infield single that allowed Meghan Murphy to score.

Barrett led all players with three hits and four RBI. Gatch led the Lions with two hits and two RBI.

Prior to the start of the contest, senior Kendall Bowers was recognized for her contributions to the softball program.