KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— Just three days after sweeping an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) doubleheader by identical final scores, the Montreat College softball team saw the roles reversed on Friday afternoon as it lost to the Johnson University Royals by a pair of 6-1 scorelines. Following the two road defeats, the Cavaliers moved to 8-8 (3-5 AAC) on the year, while the hosts improved to 7-5 (2-0 AAC) overall.
After a scoreless top half of the first inning, the Royals took an early 1-0 lead during the bottom half of the frame thanks to an RBI single to center field.
In the fourth inning, the Cavs responded by leveling the score.
Isabella Martinez began the frame with a base knock and later touched home on an RBI single off the bat of
Addison Staton. However, Johnson answered and widened the gap during its half of the inning, plating three runs, including two unearned, to bring the score to 4-1 in its favor.
The sixth saw the Royals extend their lead further. JU tacked on a pair of insurance runs with a single to center, pushing its advantage out to 6-1. The hosts then sent the Cavaliers down in order during the seventh, clinching their five-run victory in the opener.
Mykenzie Flores started in the circle for Montreat, tossing three innings and surrendering three runs, two of which were earned, on two hits. The Winslow, Ariz. native also walked four and struck out one.
Gabby Burkhart threw the final three frames in relief, allowing a trio of runs, one earned, on five hits and two walks. The freshman also hit a batter and struck out another.
Jasmine Rachal posted a strong offensive performance, recording two hits, including a double. Staton added to the team's effort by collecting two hits of her own and driving in the squad's lone run. Martinez contributed a base knock and scored once.
Both sides went 1-2-3 during the first inning of game two, but the hosts blew the contest wide open behind a six-run bottom of the second. Three consecutive plate appearances resulted in a bases-loaded walk, a sacrifice fly and a three-run blast. An error allowed Johnson to add on a sixth and final run, ballooning its newfound edge to 6-0 through two.
The Cavs got on the board in the third inning.
Hannah Henderson drew a four-pitch walk, and
Aaliyah Penalber followed with a bunt single.
Abigail Wyatt's fielder's choice and
Nadilyn Eason's infield single then set the stage for a passed ball that brought home Penalber. However, that proved to be the final run for either side in game two.
JU's starting pitcher and
Lauryn Bishop, who came on in relief for
Jaidyn Stephens, dominated in the circle and kept their opposing offenses quiet across the last three innings. As a result, the Royals claimed the second matchup by a 6-1 final score.
Stephens opened for Montreat, pitching 1 1/3 innings while giving up five earned runs on two hits and three walks. She also tallied one punchout. Bishop shined in the circle after entering in the second frame. The sophomore from Mountain City, Tenn. delivered a strong performance over 4 2/3 innings, surrendering only one unearned run on three hits. Bishop struck out three batters and threw 48 of her 60 pitches inside the strike zone.
Penalber collected two of her squad's five hits and scored the team's only run.
Nevaeh Rivera reached base twice, recording one hit and drawing a walk. Staton and Eason also registered a base knock.
In its next action on Monday, March 9, the Montreat College softball team will face off against the University of St. Francis and Bloomfield College at the USSSA Space Coast Complex in Melbourne, Fla. Game one is scheduled for 4:45 p.m., while game two is slated for 7 p.m.
