BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C.— The Montreat College softball team had a historic night on Tuesday evening, sweeping Tennessee Wesleyan University for the first time in nearly 15 years in an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) doubleheader at Roxy Hines Memorial Softball Field. The Cavaliers claimed both contests by identical 6-2 scores. With the sweep, Montreat improved to 8-6 (3-3 AAC), while the Bulldogs dropped to 2-5 (2-2 AAC) on the season.
In game one, both sides struck early with a run in the first frame.
Aaliyah Penalber reached on a single and later crossed the plate on a base hit back to the pitcher by
Jasmine Rachal, evening the score at 1-1 through one inning of play.
In the third inning, the Bulldogs regained the advantage as a wild pitch moved a runner into scoring position before a timely single brought her home, The run gave TWU a 2-1 lead after three.
Montreat seized control in the fifth inning.
Hannah Henderson worked a walk and later scored on an RBI single from
Abigail Wyatt. Moments later,
Nadilyn Eason delivered a run-scoring double to extend the surge, handing the Cavaliers a 3-2 advantage.
The hosts added valuable insurance during the sixth.
Isabella Martinez drew a walk and later came around to touch home on
Addison Staton's double. In her first at-bat of the season,
Lauryn Bishop delivered a clutch single up the middle to plate two more runs, extending the hosts' lead to 6-2.
The Cavs maintained their lead through the seventh inning, securing a 6-2 victory over the Bulldogs.
Gabby Burkhart pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs, while striking out three and walking six. Bishop came on in relief for 1 2/3 innings, giving up no hits and earning a save with two strikeouts and two walks. Bishop also contributed offensively with a hit and two RBIs.
Rachal paced the offensive effort with two hits and an RBI, while also contributing four assists defensively at third base. Seven additional Cavaliers recorded a hit on the evening, with Wyatt and Eason both driving in a run to round out Montreat's balanced offensive performance.
Game two remained scoreless through the first two innings, with both teams unable to capitalize on early opportunities.
The contest's momentum swung in the bottom of the third as the hosts jumped ahead with a three-spot. After back-to-back outs to begin the frame, Wyatt led off the two-out rally with a single, and consecutive hits from Eason and Rachal loaded the bases. Martinez came through with a clutch double to right center, driving in three runs and giving the Cavs a 3-0 lead heading out of the inning.
Montreat continued to build momentum during the fourth. Staton opened with a single, and an error allowed Burkhart to reach base. Eason followed with a single down the left field line, driving in two runs, and Martinez was hit by a pitch, bringing home another to expand the Cavaliers' lead to 6-0 through four frames.
In the seventh inning, TWU mounted a late rally. A single followed by a fielder's choice scored a run, and another hit plated a second Bulldog. However, Bishop shut the door, striking out the final batter swinging to preserve the hosts' 6-2 victory. The win also captured Montreat's first doubleheader sweep of Tennessee Wesleyan since April 13, 2011.
"Two games, same score, same focus. This was a total team win," said Head Coach
Kelsey McCue-Long. "From the circle to the defense to timely hitting, everyone stepped up and contributed today."
Mykenzie Flores pitched six innings for the Cavs, allowing four hits and two earned runs while striking out two and walking six. Bishop contributed an inning in relief, surrendering a hit and walking one, while striking out one batter.
Eason turned in a standout performance, recording two hits and two RBIs to anchor the Cavaliers' offense. Martinez led the way in scoring with a four-RBI effort, highlighted by a double, while five other Montreat players added hits to round out the offensive attack.
Looking ahead, Montreat will hit the road and travel to Knoxville, Tenn., for an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) doubleheader against Johnson University on Friday, March 6. First pitch of the twin bill is scheduled for 2 p.m.
