CLEVELAND, Ga. (March 8, 2024) - The Truett McConnell University softball team hosted Appalachian Athletic Conference for Milligan University on Friday, where the Lady Bears recorded sharp performances in both games with final score of 5-1 and 2-0. 

GAME ONE | Abner HR

Milligan struck first with one run in the top of the first inning, but TMU did not hesitate to respond as they added two runs and stole the lead after an Ellie Abner home run over the center field fence (2-1). Kyndall Gipson  earned her own RBI in the fourth inning as Jenna O'Brien made her way home, while a line drive double off the center field fence from Hailey Cronic ultimately sent the Lady Bears to victory in game one with a score of 5-1. 

LEADERS 

Gipson led the way going 2 for 3 at the plate with one run and one walk, followed by Cronic who went 2 for 3 with two RBIs. Cassie Boatright and Grace Folds individually went 1 for 2 with one run and one walk, while Abner went 1 for 3 with one run and two RBIs. Pitcher Kyleigh Sanders earned the win after pitching through seven innings, along with recording 10 strikeouts. 

GAME TWO 

The Lady Bears gained momentum at the start as a Gipson RBI single score O'Brien to clinch the advantage early (1-0). The Buffs worked to respond with runners on, but a sharp performance from TMUs defense and Gipson on the mound kept the visiting team silent. Both teams were unable to add to the score for the remainder of the game, until the sixth inning saw Cronic earn her second double of the day, scoring Boatright and making the final score 2-0. 

LEADERS

Gipson and Cronic led game two individually going 1 for 3 at the plate with one RBI, followed by O'Brien and Boatright who went 1 for 3 with one run. Pitcher Gipson shined from the mound after earning the shutout win, along with tallying three strikeouts on the day. 

UP NEXT 

TMU will host AAC opponent Bluefield College on Thursday, March 14, with game times set for 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.