LAKE WALES, Fla. (February 18, 2023) - The Truett McConnell University softball team concluded their weekend Florida road trip, with their final stop on Saturday at Warner University. The Lady Bears gained momentum early in the first game to secure a 3-0 win, while a late offensive rally from the Royals was no match for pitcher Kyndall Gipson and the Lady Bears' defense to secure the sweep (4-2). TMU rises to a record of 6-2, while the Royals fall to 5-3. 

GAME 1 | 3-0 
Both teams proved to be evenly matched until the top of the second saw the Lady Bears on the board. A Cassie Boatright walk followed by a Jenna O'Brien sacrifice bunt moved Boatright into scoring position. Hailey Cronic capitalized on a defensive error, advancing to second while TMU pushed their first run across the plate (1-0). Another defensive error saw Rachel Morgan reach first and a second run was added to the Lady Bears' lead (2-0). A strong pitching performance from Kyleigh Sanders kept the Royals off the board, while a Mattie Brooks single to left field combined with a Gipson single to center secured the Lady Bears' 3-0 victory.

LEADERS
Gipson led the way offensively, going 2-4 at the plate with one RBI, while Brooks was 1-1 at the plate. Justine Gorton and Lawson each recorded a hit apiece.

Pitcher Sanders recorded the win and pitched a complete game, recording seven strikeouts.

GAME 2 | 4-2
In game two, both teams were in the midst of a pitcher's dual until the top of the third inning saw a Morgan single and Cronic sacrifice bunt to move runners into scoring position. A defensive error allowed Justine Gorton to reach first base and push TMU's first run across (1-0). Smart base running saw Gorton at second, where a Lawson single added to the Lady Bears advantage (2-0). The top of the fifth was sparked by a single to right field from Rachael Arnold and saw Grace Folds capitalizing on another defensive error by the Royals, adding to the Lady Bears' score (3-0). A solo shot from Cronic over the fence in the top of the seventh saw TMU collect their final run of the game (4-0). The Royals responded quickly with multiple hits to close in on the Lady Bears, but a stellar pitching performance from Gipson shut the Royals down (4-2).

LEADERS
Lawson led the way offensively, going 1-4 at the plate with one RBI while Isabelle Sullivan and O'Brien each recorded a hit individually. Cronic was seen going 1-1 at the plate, tallying two runs and one RBI. Morgan and Arnold each recorded a hit apiece.

Pitcher Gipson recorded the win after tossing a complete game, recording six strikeouts.

UP NEXT
The Lady Bears return to the North Georgia Mountains for their home opener on Saturday, February 25 for a non-conference double header against the University of Rio Grande. Game times are set for 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.