CLEVELAND, Ga. (March 23, 2023) - The Truett McConnell University softball team hosted Appalachian Athletic Conference rival Reinhardt University, where the Lady Bears fell by slim margins in game one (2-3) but responded with sharp offense in game two to secure the split (4-1). TMU sits at a record of 17-7, 10-2 AAC, while Reinhardt sits at a record of 14-8, 9-1 AAC. 

GAME 1 | 2-3
The Eagles took an early lead in the top of the second on two hits, scoring one run (0-1). The Lady Bears responded in the bottom of the fifth with a Cassie Boatright solo shot over the center field fence to even the score (1-1). Both teams worked diligently to produce runs, but the Eagles took the advantage in the top of the seventh, scoring two runs on two hits (1-3). The bottom of the seventh saw TMU capitalize on defensive errors to put a runner on base. A clutch single from Hailey Cronic paired with a sacrifice hit from Isabelle Sullivan pushed one run across, but was ultimately not enough as TMU fell, 2-3.

LEADERS
Boatright led the way offensively, going 1-3 at the plate with one RBI and one run. Lawson, Kyndall Gipson and Cronic each recorded one hit apiece.

GAME 2 | 4-1
In game two, the Lady Bears started with a walk from Grace Folds followed by an electric two-run homerun from Lawson to secure an early lead (2-0). Stellar defensive plays and pitching from Gipson kept the Eagles at bay, while TMU added to their lead in the bottom of the fourth with a Jenna O'Brien single, sacrifice bunt from Boatright and Rachel Morgan single to move runners into scoring position. A fielder's choice play saw TMU add to their score, while the bottom of the fifth continued to tack on runs with a single from Sullivan (3-0). A sacrifice bunt from Folds moved runners into scoring position, paired with a double from Lawson to add to the Lady Bears advantage (4-0). The Eagles responded with one run on two hits, but pitcher Olivia Haag made an appearance on the mound to secure game two in the bottom of the seventh (4-1).

LEADERS
Lawson led the way, going 2-3 with three RBIs and one run. Sullivan, Gorton, O'Brien and Morgan recorded one hit apiece. 

Pitcher Gipson recorded three strikeouts and only allowed two hits over six innings. Haag came in for relief, recording one strikeout.

UP NEXT
The Lady Bears hit the road on Sunday, March 26 to face AAC foe Johnson University. Game times set for 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.