BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. — The Montreat College softball team split an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) doubleheader on Tuesday against Spartanburg Methodist College, falling 5-1 in the opener before bouncing back with a 4-2 win in game two. With the split, the Cavaliers moved to 12-18 (4-12 AAC) on the year, while the Pioneers now sit at 22-7 (5-5 AAC).
After a scoreless opening inning in game one, SMC took advantage in the second. A fielding error and a wild pitch helped produce three unearned runs. A triple drove in one, and a single added another, giving the Pioneers a 3-0 lead.
Spartanburg Methodist continued to build its cushion in the third, using two singles to set up an RBI hit that brought in a run. A sacrifice fly followed, extending the margin to 5-0.
Montreat answered in the sixth when Jasmine Rachal doubled, moved to third on a groundout and scored on an RBI single from Abigail Wyatt to cut the deficit to 5-1. However, neither team was able to push across another run the rest of the way. As a result, Spartanburg Methodist closed out the 5-1 final.
Lauryn Bishop went the distance in the circle for Montreat, tossing seven innings while allowing five runs, two earned, on eight hits. She threw 104 pitches and 71 strikes, finishing with one punchout and two walks.
Aaliyah Penalber helped pace the offense with two hits and a stolen base. Rachal added two base knocks, including a double, and scored a run, while Wyatt drove in the hosts' lone run with her sixth-inning single. Bre Speight recorded a double as well, and Hannah Henderson contributed with a hit and a walk.
In game two, the Cavaliers struck first in the second inning. Speight drew a walk and moved to second on a single from Nevaeh Rivera. Henderson advanced both runners with a sacrifice bunt before Nadilyn Eason delivered a single up the middle to bring in Speight for a 1-0 lead.
After the visitors leveled the score thanks to an unearned run, Montreat restored and extended its advantage in the fourth with a string of timely at-bats. Speight worked another leadoff walk, and Henderson reached on a fielder's choice before Penalber and Eason produced consecutive singles. Eason's knock drove in Henderson. Rachal followed with a single up the middle, scoring both runners and pushing the lead to 4-1 through four innings. All four of the Cavs' runs were scored with two outs.
Spartanburg Methodist added a run in the sixth on a throwing error, but the hosts remained in control. The Cavaliers ultimately secured the 4-2 win, stranding SMC runners on the corners to seal the league triumph.
Olivia Bezjak notched a strong outing in the circle, earning her first career win with her first collegiate complete game. She went seven innings and tossed 92 pitches, allowing five hits and two unearned runs. The Morrison, Colo. native also tallied one strikeout and one walk.
Eason led the offense with two hits and two RBIs. Rachal added two RBIs while reaching base with a hit and a walk. Lauren Davis recorded two hits, while Wyatt, Penalber and Rivera each finished with one to round out the Cavs' offensive performance.
The Cavaliers return to action in two days, traveling to face Columbia International University in Columbia, S.C. First pitch of the AAC twin bill is set for 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 2.
