GAINESVILLE, Ga. (March 21, 2023) - The Truett McConnell University softball team traveled to face Appalachian Athletic Conference rival Brenau University, where the Lady Bears fell short in a pitcher's dual in game one (1-2), but secured game two with a clutch offensive and sharp pitching from the mound (4-3). TMU sits at a record of 16-6, 9-1 AAC, while the Golden Tigers sit at a record of 12-6, 8-4 AAC.
GAME 1 | 1-2
Both teams were evenly matched until the Lady Bears scored their lone run in the top of the second inning, starting with a Kyndall Gipson double to left field and ending with a double to right field from Mattie Brooks (1-0). The Golden Tigers responded with a run of own to even the play (1-1). Pitcher Kyleigh Sanders stayed sharp on the mound to keep the Golden Tigers at bay, until the bottom of the sixth saw the Golden Tigers record one run on three hits. TMU was unable to respond, resulting in a 1-2 loss.
LEADERS
Justine Gorton led the way offensively, going 2-3 at the plate, while Gipson was 1-2 with one run. Brooks was seen going 1-3 at the plate with one RBI. Jenna O'Brien, Hailey Chronic and Ellie Abner recorded one hit apiece.
GAME 2 | 4-3
In game two, the Lady Bears sparked their momentum in the first inning with a walk from Grace Folds. A sacrifice bunt from Gorton moved runners into scoring position, while a single from O'Brien gave TMU an early lead (1-0). The top of the fourth saw a Cassie Boatright walk paired with a Rachel Morgan single to put runners in scoring position. A clutch hit from Isabelle Sullivan added to TMU's lead (2-0). The Lady Bears' momentum continued to roll through the fifth inning with a Gorton single and stolen base. A sacrifice bunt from Briley Lawson and a hit from O'Brien pushed a third run across for TMU (3-0). The Golden Tigers were resilient, recording three runs on four hits in the bottom of the sixth to bring the score even (3-3). Both teams were evenly matched when the top of the eighth saw a Boatright single and sacrifice bunt from Hailey Cronic to put the winning run in scoring position. A tide-turning single from Morgan gave TMU a 4-3 advantage, while relief pitcher Olivia Haag shut down the Golden Tigers on offense to give the Lady Bears the split (4-3).
LEADERS
Gorton led the way offensively, going 2-3 at the plate with one run, while Morgan was 2-4 with one RBI. Lawson was seen going 1-3 at the plate, while O'Brien was 1-4 with two RBIs. Boatright recorded one hit and two runs.
Pitcher Kyndall Gipson earned the win, only allowing six hits in five innings. Relief pitcher Haag recorded two strikeouts and only allowed one hit over two innings.
UP NEXT
The Lady Bears return to the TMU Softball Complex on Thursday, March 23 to face AAC opponent Reinhardt University. Game times are set for 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
