Anderson, S.C. – The Anderson University Softball team opened its 2021 season with a double-header sweep over nonconference opponent North Greenville on Tuesday afternoon at the AU Softball Complex. The Trojans jump to 2-0 overall, while the Crusaders fall to 0-2.

"There were a lot of positives in the games tonight," said head coach Tommy Hewitt. "Harlie pitched well after nearly a year layoff from injuries and freshman pitcher Laken Maxwell definitely proved she has what it takes to compete at this level."

"The enthusiasm our team displayed in the dugout and on the field tonight is really what won the second game," explained Hewitt. "When Gracie Williams drove in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth, the entire team raced from the third base dugout to first base to congratulate her… it was like the Master Card commercial says "Priceless", exclaimed Hewitt.

Notes

North Greenville was recently picked as the top team in the Conference Carolina Preseason Coaches' Poll

Game 1 Summary
Anderson 8    North Greenville 0 (6 innings)

The Trojans used nine hits and four walks to produce eight runs, which was plenty of offensive to back freshman hurler Laken Maxwell. Maxwell pitched a complete game shutout, giving up just three hits, while striking out seven.

Key Trojans

-Jessica Neadow went 3-for-4 with a double, four RBI and two runs scored.
-Kennedy Burton batted 2-for-2 with one run scored.
-Yas Laureano went 2-fo-3 with a double and one run scored.
-Hannah Whitaker drilled her first career home run.

Game 2 Summary
Anderson 2    North Greenville 1 (9 innings)

Anderson scored the first run of the game in the second inning of play. Despite an excellent outing by senior pitcher Harlie Duncan, the Crusaders were able to push across a late run in the seventh inning to force extra innings. Duncan scattered nine hits, while striking out four. Maxwell pitched the final two innings, giving up no hits and striking out three to pick up her second win of the day.

Senior Mattison Cantrell was placed on second (international tie-break rule). Senior Abi Webb's sacrifice bunt moved Cantrell to third with one out. Junior Gracie Williams ripped a single to left field to end the game.

Key Trojans

-Whitaker and Williams each batted 2-for-4, with Williams hitting a double and scoring a run.
-Junior Morgan Charter drove in the first run of the game with a single up the middle.

Next Up

Anderson travels to nonconference opponent Winston-Salem State on Sunday. First pitch is slated for 1 pm.