Mars Hill splits day two of Valkyrie Classic
The Mars Hill softball team (3-1) split day two of the Valkyrie Classic, defeating Converse (1-2) in extra innings by a score of 19-18, but falling to Lynn (2-2) by a score of 8-4.
DUNCAN, S.C. - The Mars Hill softball team (3-1) split day two of the Valkyrie Classic, defeating Converse (1-2) in extra innings by a score of 19-18, but falling to Lynn (2-2) by a score of 8-4.
GAME ONE: MHU 19, CON 18 - 8 Innings
In an offensive shootout, the Lions' bats prevailed, holding off the Valkyries in a high-scoring affair.
The Lions led 4-1 after the first, highlighted by Jessica Senn's three-run home run. Leading 6-3 in the top of the fourth, Senn recorded her second home run of the contest, a two-run shot to extend the Lions' lead to five.
In the top of the seventh, the Lions regained their five-run advantage off of a Maia Sholter three-run blast, but the Valkyries, for the second straight inning, responded with a five-run frame. AJ Albano's bases clearing double tied the game at 16 in the bottom of the seventh, forcing extra innings.
Farley Park's two-run double to left center field gave the Lions their second and final lead of the day. A wild pitch later in the inning allowed Park to cross home for the insurance run.
Payton Little led the Lions with four hits while she and Park scored a team-high four runs apiece. Senn led all players with five RBI.
Blyth Freeman, in 1.1 innings thrown, picked up her second win of the season.
GAME TWO: LYNN 8, MHU 4
The Lions suffered their first defeat of the season to Lynn, falling 8-4.
Trailing 1-0 after one and following a scoreless second inning, Jessica Senn put the Lions on the board in the top of the third with a two-run double to left center field, scoring Payton Little and Micki Maxson.
Lynn tied the game in the bottom of the third with a RBI single off the bat of Monique Poitevin. They retook the lead in the fifth off of a sacrifice fly and Poitevin's second RBI single. A Mars Hill error allowed the Fighting Knights to score their third run of the inning.
Mars Hill clawed within reach in the top of the sixth as Farley Park drove home Zoie Pistel with a RBI double to right center field. Later in the inning, Park scored off of a Lynn error, bringing the score to 5-4 entering the bottom of the frame.
Lynn plated three in the sixth, highlighted by Eliza Gonzalez's two-run home run.
Micki Maxson led the Lions with three hits while Senn led the team with two RBI.
The Lions close out the Valkyrie Classic on Sunday, February 4 when they face St. Thomas Aquinas at 10 a.m. and wrap up their play at 2:30 p.m. versus Converse.