LAKE WALES, Fla. (February 19, 2022) - The Truett McConnell University softball team concluded their weekend Florida road trip, with their final stop on Saturday at Warner University. The Lady Bears gain momentum late in the first game to steal an 8-5 win, while just barely missing the mark (4-5) against the Royals. TMU is now sitting at a record of 4-8, while the Royals are at a record of 3-3.

GAME 1 | 8-5

The game started out on a slow pace, going three innings before anyone was able to score. In the fourth inning, the Lady Bears were first on the board with a Justine Kennington bunt to reach first. A Briley Lawson double to right center scored Kennington (1-0) and a fielder's choice ended the inning. The Royals responded with a grand slam to make the score 4-1, adding another run in the fifth inning. The Lady Bears did not settle and continued to fight with a Kennington walk in the sixth inning, followed by a Mattie Brooks single to left field. With bases loaded, a Lexi Simonton and Kyndall Gipson walk scored two runs (3-5). Rachel Morgan put the ball in play and scored another run off an error (4-5). TMU did not settle and secured the win in the seventh inning, starting with a Kennington single to shortstop. A Brooks single, followed by a Simonton single scored Kennington (5-5). An Alicia Price walk loaded the bases, leaving Morgan clutch with a two run hit (7-5). Ellie Abner hit a single to right field, scoring Price to make the final score 8-5.

LEADERS

Kennington led the way going 2-3 at the plate with three runs. Brooks followed, going 2-4, tallying two runs and one RBI. Simonton went 2-3, adding one run and one RBI. Abner went 1-4 with 1 RBI as well.

Pitcher Ellie McCloy got her first win and save of the season.

GAME 2 | 4-5

TMU was first on the board with a Kennington triple to right center, where she scored on a passed ball (1-0). The Royals were quick to retaliate with two runs of their own to jump ahead (1-2). In the third inning, the Lady Bears started to string their hits together. Another Kennington triple started the inning, where a B. Lawson double scored Kenningotn (2-2). TMU was able to get the bases loaded, but left them stranded. The Royals retaliated immediately to take the lead again (2-3). In the top of the fifth, a Brooks single put runners in scoring position, followed by a Sminoton single. Morgan hit a single to the pitcher, scoring Isabelle Sullivan to conclude the inning (3-3). The Royals got their last two runs late in the sixth inning to ultimately seal the win (3-5). With the Lady Bears last chance to score, Brooks singled to left field, followed by a Price single. With runners in scoring position, Morgan singled to center field, scoring Brooks and leaving the Lady Bears to fall short (4-5).

LEADERS

Kennington led the way at the plate, going 3-4 with two runs on the day. Brooks followed, going 3-4 with one run. Morgan also went 3-4 at the plate and tallied two RBI's. B. Lawson and Mikayla Sullens went 1-4 as well, while B. Lawson tallied one RBI.

UP NEXT

The Lady Bears travel on Tuesday, Feb. 22, for a non-conference double-header against Talladega College. The first game is set for 2:00 p.m. CT.