LAKELAND, Fla. (February 16, 2023) - The Truett McConnell University softball team hit the road for a weekend Florida trip, with their first stop on Thursday at Webber International University. The Lady Bears secured their first sweep of the season, starting with a 5-0 win after a stellar pitching performance from Kyleigh Sanders, while carrying the momentum to post a 2-1 score in game two with a sharp pitching performance from Kyndall Gipson. TMU rises to a record of 2-2 on the season, while the Warriors fall to 0-2.

GAME 1 | 5-0
Both teams proved even in play until the top of the second inning, when a Cassie Boatright double to center field, followed by a sacrifice bunt from Jenna O'Brien put runners in scoring position. An Isabelle Sullivan single to left field collected the Lady Bears' first run of the day as Boatright scored from third (1-0). TMU's pivotal fifth inning saw a Rachel Morgan double down the left field line and Grace Folds bunt move runners into scoring position once again. A clutch pinch-hit single from Ellie Abner collected the Lady Bears' second run, followed by a Hailey Cronic triple down the left-field line to secure TMU's final runs of the game (5-0). A stellar defense and pitching performance from Sanders kept the Warriors at bay to give TMU their first win of the season (5-0).

LEADERS
Morgan led the way offensively, going 2-3 at the plate with one run, while Sullivan went 1-3 at the plate with one RBI. Folds and Lawson were 1-4 at the plate individually, followed by Cronic who was seen going 1-4 at the plate and tallied four RBIs.

Pitcher Sanders collected her first win of the season after tossing a complete game, recording eight strikeouts and only allowing three hits.

GAME 2 | 2-1
The Lady Bears continued to rally together in game two, where the top of the first inning was set in motion with a Folds walk and stolen base. Justine Gorton followed by capitalizing on a defensive error from the Warriors and recording a stolen base. With runners in scoring position, a sacrifice fly from Briley Lawson scored TMU's first run of the game (1-0). The top of the second inning saw an O'Brien double down the left field line, where a passed ball from the Warriors saw the Lady Bears' final run of the day (2-0). The Warriors responded with a single run, but outstanding defensive plays and pitching performance from Gipson held the Warriors from evening the score, securing the Lady Bears' second win of the day with a score of 2-1. 

LEADERS
O'Brien led the way offensively, going 1-2 at the plate with one run, while Lawson recorded a single RBI. 

Gipson collected her first win of the season after tossing a complete game, recording three strikeouts and only allowing four hits.

UP NEXT
The Lady Bears continue their trip Friday, Feb. 17, where they will face Southeastern University with doubleheader game times set for 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.