ANDERSON, S.C. -The Anderson University softball team earned a doubleheader sweep in its home opener against non-conference opponent Southern Wesleyan on Friday afternoon winning game one, 4-2 and game two, 11-4, at the AU Softball Complex.
GAME #1
Anderson 4, Southern Wesleyan 2
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Leading the Trojans at the plate, sophomore Breanna Hagerty batted 2-for-3 with a home run and a single. Senior Cailah Niles and sophomore Meghan Majeski each picked up two hits with Niles recording her first double of the season.
Senior Randee Bettis (1-0) pitched a complete game allowing four hits while striking out seven Warrior batters.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Trojans scored a lone run in the bottom half of the first and second innings highlighted by Hagerty's solo shot in the second inning. The Black and Gold scored two more runs in the bottom of the fifth to claim a 4-0 lead. Niles doubled to lead off the inning with Mattie Hamilton driving in pinch runner Mattie Cantrell on her double down the left field line. With two outs, sophomore Ali Anderson drove in the fourth and final run of the game on a two-out single to left center.
The Warriors cut the lead in half using back-to-back walks and a double to right center to push across two runs in the top of the seventh before Anderson secured the final out of the game.
Southern Wesleyan's Hunter Hoskins (0-1) pitched five innings giving up eight hits while striking out four. Mariah Foxworth pitched the final inning allowing one hit while facing four batters.
GAME #2
Anderson 11, Southern Wesleyan 4
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Niles continued to stay red hot going 3-for-4 with five RBI. Hamilton went 2-for-4 with a double, home run and four RBI while junior Joshlyn Martin and Majeski each had two hits for the Trojans
Freshman Harlie Duncan picked up her first collegiate win pitching 4.1 innings. Duncan faced 21 batters striking out four while surrendering five hits. Freshman Kayla Pepper pitched a solid 2.2 inning in relief giving up just one hit while striking out five.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Anderson jumped out to a commanding 8-0 lead following Niles line drive homerun over the left centerfield fence. Southern Wesleyan answered back with four combined runs in the top of the fourth and fifth innings. Anderson responded by adding three runs in the bottom of the sixth highlighted by Hamilton's three-run blast.
Southern Wesleyan's Lucy Wolff (0-1) suffered the loss. Foxworth and Hoskins each pitched three inning giving up four and three runs, respectively.
ANDERSON STAT OF THE DAY
Niles blasted her record breaking 48th career home run during game two. The Phenix City, Ala. native now holds the all-time career home run record for Anderson University and the South Atlantic Conference that was previously held by 2014 AU graduate and assistant coach Abby Child.
UP NEXT
The Trojans remain at home to face non-conference opponent Lees-McRae on Sunday. The first pitch of the doubleheader is slated for 1:30 p.m. at the AU Softball Complex.
