CLEVELAND, Ga. (March 16, 2019) – The No. 17 Truett McConnell University softball team defeated Bryan College for their third straight Appalachian Athletic Conference doubleheader sweep (8-2, 4-1). The Lady Bears improved to 19-5, 6-0 AAC on the year while the Lions declined to 5-15, 2-4 AAC.
GAME ONE (8-2)
After Bryan was capable of running home on a defensive error, freshman Briley Lawson singled to deep right-center to score Kaitlynn Johnson (1-1). Junior Bethany Hyde held the Lions hitless at the top of the second but a Jaden Morrison single to shallow left field drove in freshman Alicia Price (2-1) in the bottom of the second. Bryan was held to one more run the rest of the way.
The Lady Bears dominated in the bottom of the fifth recording five hits and five runs. All runs for TMU came with two outs. Most notable, sophomore Kathrine Kozlowski crushed her first collegiate homer over the left field fence which also scored Sara Sullivan. Sarah Wills, a pinch hitter, doubled to deep center field which drove home Peyton Wilson and Price (6-1). Liz Bunton, another pinch hitter, singled to shallow left field which scored Macey Dunaway (7-2). Wilson's single down the left field line drove home Sullivan for TMU's final run of the game.
LEADERS
Morrison went perfect at the plate (2-for-2) while Lawson and Wilson went 2-for-4. Johnson, Sullivan and Kozlowksi went 1-for-2.
The Lady Bears outhit the Lions 12-2.
Hyde pitched the first 3.1 innings allowing one hit and striking out four. Karley Hobbs was credited the win after throwing the rest of the way allowing one hit and striking out five. This win keeps Hobbs perfect on the mound (12-0) with a 1.60 ERA.
GAME TWO (4-1)
After a scoreless two innings, Bryan and TMU each recorded a run in the third (1-1). The Lady Bears' first run came on Sullivan's deep sacrifice fly to center field. Another Lawson single up the middle scored Johnson in the bottom of the fifth to put the Lady Bears out front for good (2-1). Still holding Bryan scoreless, TMU went on to record three more hits in the bottom of the sixth. Johnson's double to deep left field sent home pinch runner Misty Goodman and Price to further put the game of reach for the Lions (4-1).
LEADERS
Johnson went 3-for-4, putting her at 4-for-6 on the day, while Wilson went 2-for-3, putting her at 4-for-7 on the day. Price also went 2-for-3 and Dunway and Morrison went 1-for-2.
Hobbs earned the win pitching a complete game allowing six hits, one earned run and striking out two.
UP NEXT
The Lady Bears return to the TMU Softball Complex for senior day hosting nonconference opponent Talladega College on Tuesday, March 19, at 1:00 p.m.
