Softball splits twinbill at Mars Hill

Mars Hill, N.C. —- The Catawba College softball team split a doubleheader at Mars Hill University on Wednesday afternoon in South Atlantic Conference softball action. The Catawba Indians move to 14-8 overall and 2-2 in the SAC, while the Lions move to 11-12 on the season and 3-5 in league play.

Christina Brendle powered the Catawba offense in game number one, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored. Aniyah King also recorded a pair of hits in the Catawba Indian win.

Riley Tucker got the scoring started in the top of the first, driving in Brendle on an RBI single to center field. After advancing to third on the play on an error, Tucker scored on an RBI groundout from Kary Hales. Mars Hill's Amber McLaren cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the first on a leadoff homer.

Scoring stalled for both teams until the fifth, when Brendle homered for the second time this season on a three-run shot to center field, scoring Savanna Balderston and Courtnee Carter. Mars Hill got a couple of runs back in the sixth on an error, but Catawba's pitching held on for the win.

Alex Baquie had another good outing, giving up one earned run on five hits, striking out eight in yet another complete-game performance. She improves to 10-2 on the year with the win.

Game two went much more favorably for Mars Hill, who scored four runs in the second and five runs in the fourth inning to charge a run-rule win in five innings. 

Bri Gallagher drove in Hales on an RBI single and came around to score after a pair of Lion errors for Catawba's only scoring in the 10-2 loss.

Savannah Beaver took the loss for Catawba, allowing four runs on four hits in 1.1 innings.

The team remains on the road, continuing SAC play on Saturday with a road doubleheader against #21 Carson-Newman. First pitch for game one is set for 1 p.m.