ANDERSON, S.C. – After playing eight straight games on the road, Anderson University Softball (24-4, 7-1 SAC) enjoyed playing on its home turf (13-1), sweeping South Atlantic Conference opponent Limestone (21-11, 4-8 SAC) winning game one, 3-1, and game two, 1-0, on Thursday afternoon at the AU Softball Complex.
"Two outstanding performances from our pitching staff," said head coach Tommy Hewitt. "However, better than that, was the ability of Hope getting on base in both games, great bunts by Sydney and clutch hits in both games by Olivia Wheeler driving in the runs."
Both contests featured solid pitching from both sides, with AU making a few stellar defensive plays to help aide in the doubleheader sweep.
In game one, sophomore Laken Maxwell (13-3) got the nod pitching a complete game. Maxwell gave up four hits, while striking out eight batters. The native of Bowden, Ga. ranks tied for second in the SAC for total wins and second for total strikeouts.
After a scoreless four innings of play, Anderson scored three runs in the bottom half of the fifth. Senior Morgan Charter led off with a walk, followed by Hope Gullatt's fielder's choice. Gullatt moved to second on a wild pitch. Junior Yas Laureneao was inserted as a pinch runner for Gullatt. Laureneao scored on senior Sydney Belcher's single to left field. Junior Olivia Rose Wheeler tripled to score Belcher, with Wheeler scoring on seniors Gracie William's fielder's choice to the right side.
Limestone quickly responded with its sixth inning leadoff batter drilling a home run over the left field fence to cut the lead to, 3-1. With runner's on second and third, Limestone's Ashley Purnell drilled a line-drive up the middle. AU's Whitaker was able to make the 2-run scoring incredible diving catch.
Maxwell was able to close out the final two innings, going three up and three down to claim her 13th win of the season.
In game two, senior Harlie Duncan (10-1) toed the rubber going the distance. Duncan gave up just one hit, carrying her no-hitter into the sixth inning of play. The native of Tolono, Ill., struck out seven, walked one on her way to tying Anderson's All-Time Win record (58).
The lone run of the game came in the bottom of the fifth inning, with AU manufacturing a run. After a one-out walk taken by Gullatt, Belcher moved pinch runner Laureano to second. Wheeler's double to left field pushed across the eventual winning run.
No. 24 Anderson hits the road again for a quick trip to SAC foe Wingate on Saturday. First-pitch of the doubleheader is slated for 1 pm.
