Softball Drops Two At Catawba

SALISBURY, N.C. – The Mars Hill softball team dropped a conference doubleheader to league-leading Catawba on Saturday, April 09. The Lions fall to 11-20 overall and 5-9 in the SAC while the Indians improve to 28-10, 12-1.

GAME ONE

The first game of the twin-billing was an all-out pitcher's duel as neither defense would budge. Mars Hill put a runner on second in the top of the second, but that was as far as she would get, with the inning fading out to no runs.

Starting pitcher Shelby Culler kept the Indians potent offense off balance throughout the game, allowing runners to reach second base only twice during the first five innings.

Catawba finally broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the sixth following a single through the right side from the leadoff batter, who then stole second. After a sacrifice bunt a single to right field scored the game's only run, The Lions went in order in the top of seven and took the hard loss, 1-0.

Culler fell to 6-4, pitching six innings and allowing only one run while scattering six hits. Kayleigh Jonas and Jamie Booze each had one hit in the losing effort.

GAME TWO

Catawba wasted no time putting up runs in the second game, posting a four-spot in the first inning. The Lions offense continued to sputter and the Indians lead quickly grew to 7-0 after a three-run fourth.

The lone bright spot on the afternoon happened in the top of the seventh. Following a leadoff single from Erin Vickery, Ellen Tillman blasted a two-run shot to center field. However, that would be all the runs that Mars Hill would score, dropping game two by the final of 7-2.

Sydney Elkin was tagged with the loss, lasting only 1/3 of an inning and giving up four runs on five hits. She drops to 5-9 on the season. Tillman led the way for the Blue and Gold in game two with a 2-3 outing at the dish.

The Lions will make the quick turnaround as they step out of conference on Monday, April 11, traveling to Banner Elk to take on Lees-McRae.