COLUMBUS, Ga. (February 17, 2024) - The RV Truett McConnell University softball team competed in day two of the NFCA Classic, where game three proved in favor of the Lady Bears with a score of 11-6 against Webber International, and game two saw TMU fight through eight innings against No. 23 William Carey but fall by slim margins with a score of 6-7.

GAME ONE | 11-6 WIN

The Warriors took an early lead in the top of the first inning with two runs, but a bomb over the center field fence from Hailey Cronic kept the lead in range (1-2). Cassie Boatright showed her grit in the top of the third inning with a sacrifice fly to score Jenna O'Brien, followed by an RBI single from Cronic to take back the advantage (3-2). Webber evened the play once again with a run of their own (3-3), but it was no match for a Grace Folds three run homer over the centerfield fence to put TMU back on top (6-3).  RBIs from Camryn Halliday, Kyndall Gipson and Boatright added to the lead, while a Cronic RBI double and Folds single ultimately put the game out of reach with a final score of 11-5. 

LEADERS

Cronic had a strong performance at the plate going 3 for 3 with three runs, three RBIs and one walk, followed by Folds who went 3 for 4 with four RBIs and one run. O'Brien recorded two hits on the day with two runs and two walks, while Rebecca Graham went 1 for 3 with  two runs. Emma Vessell pitched through seven complete innings, while recording her first win of the season with four strikeouts on the day. 

GAME TWO | 8 INNINGS 

TMU struck first in game two with a Boatright double to left field to score O'Brien from third, while William Carey added to their side of the scoreboard with one run in the bottom of the first inning. An O'Brien triple got the bats going in the top of the second inning, followed by sharp base running from O'Brien who scored on a wild pitch (3-1). William Carey bridged the gap in the fourth inning with three runs, but Isabelle Sullivan doubled to deep left center field to score Folds and Anslee Pittman for the lead (5-4). The home team collected two more runs in the sixth inning, while a misplayed ball hit by Gipson allowed O'Brien to make it home and even the playing field once again. With the game in extra innings, TMU worked to push the winning run across the plate, but was ultimately unable to clinch the win as they fell to a final score of 6-7 in the eighth inning. 

LEADERS

O'Brien led the way going 3-4 at the plate with three runs and one RBI, followed by Graham who went 2 for 4 and Boatright who went 1 for 4 with one RBI. Folds and Cronic individually recorded one hit on the day, while Sullivan went 1 for 3 with two RBIs.  Pitcher Kyleigh Sanders pitched through eight complete innings and recorded five strikeouts on the day. 

UP NEXT

The Lady Bears close out the weekend at the NFCA Classic on Sunday, Feb. 18, where they are set to face the University of Rio Grande at 9:00 a.m.