CHARLOTTE, N.C-The Anderson University softball team defeated South Atlantic Conference opponent Mars Hill, 4-3 (9 innings), in the opening game while falling in the nightcap, 13-11 on Tuesday afternoon at Enka High School.

With the split, Anderson moves to 29-13 overall and 11-7 in SAC play while the Lions move to 15-17 overall and 6-12 in conference action.

Game #1

Anderson 4, Mars Hill 3 (9 innings)

The Trojans scored first in the top half of the fifth inning using a solo home run by freshman Mattison Cantrell, two base hits and a Lion error.

Mars Hill responded with a solo home run in both the fifth and sixth innings to even the score at, 2-2.

After both team were held scoreless in the seventh inning, a runner was placed at second to begin the eighth. Junior Breanna Hagerty bunted over junior Mattie Hamilton with Hamilton scoring on sophomore Ali Anderson's infield put-out to shortstop.

The Lions were able to scratch out one run in the eighth to force another extra inning of play.

Anderson's Cantrell reached third on a pass ball with sophomore Meghan Majeski scoring Cantrell with a single to left center. The Lions were able to shut down the Trojans in order to end the ninth.

Mars Hill placed runner reached third on a two-out base hit to right field. Anderson left her stranded on third after fourth batter of the inning popped up to third to end the game.

AU's freshman Kayla Pepper (10-4) went the distance pitching nine innings. Pepper gave up five hits while striking out six.

Mars Hill's Casey Stanek (8-7) pitched all nine innings giving up seven hits while striking out eight.

Game #2

Mars Hill 13, Anderson 11

Anderson held a 5-3 lead heading into the bottom of the fifth inning before giving up six runs in the Lions half inning of play to fall behind, 9-5.

The Trojans battled in the top half of the sixth scoring four runs capped off by Hamilton's second three-run home run of the game. However, the Lions scored four runs of their own in the bottom of the sixth to push the score to 13-9.

The Black and Gold produced two more runs in their final at-bat on senior Cailah Niles double scoring senior Rachael Barefield and Majeski. Anderson ran out of outs to complete the comeback falling, 13-11.

AU's freshman Harlie Duncan pitched 4.0 innings while faces four batters in the fifth. Duncan gave up seven hits and seven runs. Senior Randee Bettis entered the game in the fifth inning pitching 1.2 innings. Bettis (6-6) gave up six hits and six runs before being relieved by Pepper. Pepper picked up the final out of the inning.

 Mars Hill's Casey Stanek (9-7) picked up the win after Anderson knocked Ashley Collins and Kayleigh Jonas out of the game

NOTABLES

• Majeski went 6-for-8 on the day with one RBI and three runs scored.  
• Freshman Mattison Cantrell hit a home run in game one.
• Senior Cailah Niles went 3-for-4 in game two with two doubles, a home run and three RBI.
• Junior Joshlyn Martin batted 2-for-3 in game two with a home run and two RBI.
• Hamilton belted two home runs in four at-bats collecting six RBI in game two.
• Hagerty batted 3-for-4 with three singles.

UP NEXT

Anderson returns home to play out of conference on Thursday against Peach Belt Conference opponent Augusta. First pitch is slated for 4 p.m.