MHU sweeps Carson-Newman

MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill softball team (16-16, 6-6 SAC) swept Carson-Newman (20-12, 7-5 SAC) by scores of 5-4 and 10-5 Saturday afternoon at Ponder Field.

GAME ONE: MHU 5, C-N 4

Mars Hill softball picked up a big South Atlantic Conference (SAC) victory on Saturday afternoon at Ponder Field, using a late-inning rally and clutch power hitting to defeat Carson-Newman, 5–4. 

The Lions trailed 4–0 entering the bottom of the fifth, but sparked by a pair of home runs and strong plate discipline, Mars Hill stormed back with three runs in the fifth, one in the sixth, and the go-ahead run in the seventh to complete the comeback.

Freshman pitcher Téa Cornett was a difference-maker in the circle, going the full seven innings to earn her 10th win of the season. She allowed just two earned runs and struck out four, keeping the Lions within reach until the offense could break through.

Carson-Newman jumped out in the fifth inning behind a two-RBI double from Hayden Dye and RBI singles from Macauley Bailey and Kennady Warder, but were ultimately held in check the rest of the way by Cornett's poised pitching and the Lions' lockdown defense.

In the fifth, Camryn Sterling delivered a three-run home run to pull the Lions within one. Sara Rexrode, in the bottom of the sixth, tied the game with a solo shot. Walking off the game in the bottom of the seventh was Brooke Hanson with a solo home run to left field. Sterling finished 1-for-3 with three RBIs, while Hanson and Rexrode each tallied a homer and RBI of their own.

GAME TWO: MHU 10, C-N 5

The Lions' offense erupted for 12 hits and was led by shortstop Bri Weimer, who had a career day, going 3-for-3 with two home runs, two RBIs, and four runs scored. Sara Rexrode also came up big, driving in five runs on two hits, including a key bases-clearing double in the fifth inning that broke the game open. Farley Park added to the fireworks with a two-run home run, helping Mars Hill post multi-run frames in the third, fifth, and sixth innings.

Pitcher Blyth Freeman picked up the win (6-9), throwing 5.1 innings and allowing five runs on three hits while striking out four. Téa Cornett closed out the final 1.2 innings, holding Carson-Newman scoreless to seal the victory. The Lions played clean defensively and were efficient at the plate, stranding just six runners in total.

Carson-Newman (20-12, 7-5 SAC) saw their offense come alive late, with all five of their runs coming in the fourth and sixth innings. Syerra Rogers, Kennady Warder, and Santana Anderson each hit solo home runs to keep the Eagles in the game. 

Mars Hill (16-16, 6-6 SAC) returned to .500 with the win and showcased their offensive depth and resilience against a strong Carson-Newman team.

The Lions return to action on Wednesday, March 26 when they host Catawba inside Ponder Field. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.