Newberry, S.C. -Anderson University Softball split a South Atlantic Conference doubleheader with Newberry winning game one, 5-4, and dropping game two, 4-1, on Saturday afternoon at Smith Road Complex. Anderson moves to 23-5 overall and 11-3 in SAC action, while the Wolves move to 13-7 overall and 6-6 in conference play.
"Good pitching in both games today, said head coach Tommy Hewitt. "Sarah pitched well enough to win the second game. In the first game Harlie pitched well and had good run support."
"The second game was a mix of errors both physically and mental," said Hewitt. "We had a total of six of them, as being well as being too hardheaded to make correct adjustments at the plate."
"We will keep our heads up and battle another day," added Hewitt.
Game 1 Summary
Anderson 5 Newberry 4
Despite Newberry hitting two home runs, pitching was all-around strong and Anderson provided just enough run support to down Newberry in game one. The Trojans scored a run in the first inning, two in the third and a run apiece in the fifth and sixth.
The Wolves hit a solo home run in the bottom of the first to tie the game at 1-1. AU scored four unanswered runs over the next five innings with the Wolves hitting a three-run home run in the seventh to pull within one. The Black and Gold were able to close the game out to win its sixth straight contest.
Senior Harlie Duncan (11-1) gave up nine hits and struck out seven Wolves.
KEY TROJANS
Jessica Neadow, Mattie Hamilton, Morgan Charter and Hannah Whitaker each provided two hits with Neadow and Charter collecting doubles.
Game 2 Summary
Anderson 1 Newberry 4
Anderson worked out of several jams with the Wolves finally putting up one run in the bottom of the fourth inning. The Trojans threatened in the sixth inning with Kennedy Burton leading off the inning with a single, moving to second on a SAC bunt by Neadow. Hamilton lined out to right field and Newberry's Alexandrea Sullivan retired Kayson Boatner.
The Trojans made several miscues in the bottom half of the inning allowing Newberry to increase its lead to 4-0. AU didn't go away quietly, managing to put one run on the board.
Senior Sarah Middleton (4-2) gave up seven hits, while striking out four and giving up zero earned runs.
KEY TROJANS
-Whitaker went 2-for-3 with a home run and RBI.
-Matti Cantrell batted 1-for-2 with a double.
-Burton went 1-for-2 with a single.
UP NEXT
Anderson returns home to host SAC opponent Carson-Newman on Thursday. First-Pitch of the doubleheader is slated for 1 pm.
