Mars Hill defeated by Tusculum
The Mars Hill softball team (11-14, 3-7 SAC) was swept by Tusculum (13-14, 2-6) by scores of 8-0 and 5-4 Saturday afternoon.
MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill softball team (11-14, 3-7 SAC) was swept by Tusculum (13-14, 2-6) by scores of 8-0 and 5-4 Saturday afternoon.
GAME ONE: TU 8, MHU 0 (6 Innings)
Tusculum opened the scoring in the top of the first, plating two off of an Emily Sappington single. In the third, Claire Smeltzer doubled the Pionners lead with a two-run home run to left.
The Pioneers used the long ball once more in the top of the fourth as Kallyn Newport hit a two-run shot over the left field fence. Hannah Hughes hit the third home run of the game, a solo home run in the top of the sixth.
Four Pioneers recorded two hits while the trio of Newport, Smeltzer, and Sappington posted two RBI. Jessica Senn led the Lions with two hits while Alyssa Poston, Micki Maxson, and Katie Todd added the other three hits for Mars Hill.
Sappington earned her sixth win of the season, allowing five hits while striking out eight.
GAME TWO: TU 5, MHU 4
A late Mars Hill rally fell just short in game two of Saturday's doubleheader.
Trailing 5-0 entering the bottom of the sixth, Mars Hill scored four runs to pull within one. Jessica Senn's RBI single to left center was the catalyst for the four-run sixth inning. Farley Park drove in both Senn and Miranda Marks with a two-run double to right. Kristyn Ezzo plated Park with a RBI single to center.
Tusculum opened the scoring in the top of the third as Emily Sappington's sacrifice fly allowed Kallyn Newport to score. In the top of the fifth, the Pioneers scored four with a trio of RBI singles. Sappington collected her second RBI of the game, reaching on a fielder's choice that saw Sammy Jimenez cross home.
Three Pioneers recorded two hits while Sappington led the team with two RBI. Park led the Lions with two hits and two RBI.
Ireland Cavanaugh was credited with the win, allowing four runs on six hits in 5.2 innings thrown.
The Lions return to action on Wednesday, March 15 when they face Lincoln Memorial on the road. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.
