BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. — The Montreat College softball team celebrated senior day in dominant fashion, sweeping Carolina University in a nonconference doubleheader with run-rule victories of 15-2 in game one and 12-4 in game two. With the sweep, the Cavaliers improved to 17-21 on the season, while Carolina dropped to 12-22.
Carolina opened the scoring in the first inning of game one with an RBI single up the middle. Montreat responded immediately in the bottom half, quickly leveling the score. Jasmine Rachal came home after Isabella Martinez was hit by a pitch, tying the contest at 1-1.
In the second frame, Montreat built momentum. Aaliyah Penalber scored on a double by Rachal, which was then followed by a two-RBI single from Nevaeh Rivera that made it 4-1.
After CU pulled a run back, the Cavaliers broke the game open in the third with an explosive surge at the plate. Addison Staton started the rally, scoring on Penalber's single through the right side. A Nadilyn Eason grounder coupled with a Carolina miscue at second base allowed Kayla Gibson and Hannah Henderson to cross the plate. Rachal capped the inning with a two-run single to push the lead up to 9-2.
The hosts kept the pressure on in the fourth, continuing the offensive outburst. Rachal drove in two more with a single, and Rivera followed with an RBI knock. Montreat capitalized on additional opportunities as Martinez pushed across one, while two additional runs came via wild pitches, stretching the margin to 15-2.
Carolina was held scoreless in the fifth, locking in a run-rule victory as Montreat secured the 15-2 final.
Mykenzie Flores worked a complete game in the circle, tossing five innings while allowing two runs, with only one of those being earned. She scattered six hits, issued one walk and struck out two to earn her fourth win of the season.
Rachal turned in a flawless day at the plate, going 4-for-4 with five RBIs. Penalber made a major impact as well, scoring three times, collecting two hits and stealing a base. Rivera stayed productive with two knocks and three runs driven in, while Martinez finished with a pair of hits and RBIs. Staton and Eason each recorded a hit to round out the offense.
In game two, the Bruins struck first in the second inning on a single up the middle. Montreat responded in the bottom half as Rivera sparked the offense with a double to left center prior to sprinting home on a double steal. Bre Speight scored on a single to right field by Henderson, and another wild pitch allowed the Mayo, S.C. native to cross the plate, giving the Cavaliers a 3-1 lead after the frame.
Carolina answered in the third after a throwing error at second base allowed a runner to score. Montreat quickly regained control as Rivera lined a two-RBI single through the right side, bringing in Martinez and Abigail Wyatt and moving the Cavaliers further ahead, 5-2.
In the fourth, Montreat added three more runs to extend the cushion. Penalber was hit by a pitch and later scored on a single by Rachal. Lauren Davis drove in a run with a sacrifice fly that brought Eason home, and Rivera followed with a single that scored Rachal, pushing the lead to 8-2.
CU trimmed the deficit in the fifth with a pair of RBI singles. However, the Cavs answered immediately during the ensuing half inning to put the game away. With the bases loaded, Davis ripped a double that cleared two runs. Martinez drew a walk to force in another, and Speight also walked to bring home the final run, sealing a 12-4 run-rule win.
Lauryn Bishop threw a complete game, working five innings while striking out six. She allowed seven hits and two earned runs while issuing just one walk to pick up her third win of the season.
Davis helped pace the run production with three RBIs and two hits, including a double. Rivera stayed locked in with a trio of hits and RBIs while adding a stolen base. Penalber used her speed to spark the lineup, scoring twice and stealing two bags. Eason reached safely multiple times with a hit and two walks, scoring once. Rachal, Speight and Henderson each recorded a hit and an RBI in game two, while Wyatt added a base knock for her 100th career hit as a Cavalier.
The Cavaliers return home next week to host the University of Pikeville on Tuesday, April 14 at Roxy Hines Softball Field in Black Mountain, N.C. First pitch of the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) twin bill is slated for 4 p.m.
