ATHENS, Tenn. (April 24, 2024) – On Wednesday, the Truett McConnell University softball team traveled to compete in their final Appalachian Athletic Conference double header match-up of the regular season, where the Lady Bears fell to the Bulldogs 9-1 in game one and 5-3 in game two. The Lady Bears finish the regular season with an overall record of 25-16, 19-9 AAC, while TWU finishes 24-11, 21-17 AAC.
 
GAME ONE | 9-1 Loss
 
The Bulldogs started off hot in the bottom of the first putting the first run on the board (0-1). The Lady Bears responded in the top of the second with a triple by Cassie Boatright, proving capable of setting up Grace Folds to hit a sacrifice fly out to center field to bring Boatright home to tie the board, 1-1. TWU carried their momentum into the remainder of the game, scoring five more runs over the Lady Bears. A last chance effort in the top of the sixth by Jenna O'Brien attempted to spark a run for TMU with a single to the left side, but was ultimately short lived as three runs by the opposing team pushed a comeback out of reach, falling in the sixth inning, 9-1.
 
LEADERS
Boatright led the way for TMU, scoring one run and tallying a hit. Folds followed with one RBI, while O'Brien recorded a hit. Pitcher Emma Vessell recorded four strikeouts on the day.
 
GAME TWO | 5-3 Loss
 
In Game two, the Bulldogs once again were found on the board first with a two RBI homerun in the first inning. The Lady Bears had a strong third inning as a single and stolen base by Isabella Sullivan put the Lady bears in scoring position. A sacrifice fly by O'Brien was seen bringing Sullivan over the plate. The Bears once again were placed in position to bring runners home when back-to-back singles by Hailey Cronic and Boatright put runners on first and second. An error on the opposing team ultimately allowed Cronic to head home, once again tying the game, 2-2. The Bulldogs went on to score two more runs, creating a small lead over the Lady Bears. TMU did not lose hope as a single and a stolen base by O'Brien, gave Boatright room to send her home with a triple down the right field line (4-3). TMU continued to work hard as a team, eager to gain the lead, but were ultimately unable to bridge the gap as a final run by the Bulldogs resulted in a heart-breaking loss for the Lady Bears. Final score, 5-3.
 
LEADERS
Boatright led the way for the Lady Bears going 2-4 at the plate with one RBI. Gipson followed going 2-3 with one walk, while Sullivan went 2-2 with one run. O'Brien was featured with one hit, one run and one RBI, drawing two walks, while Cronic had one hit and a run.
 
UP NEXT
The Lady Bears will travel to Kingsport, Tenn. on Wednesday, May 1 – Saturday, May 4, to compete in the AAC Tournament. Opening round game time, date, and opponent, to be determined.