CLEVELAND, Ga. — The Montreat College softball team was on the road on Saturday afternoon for its regular season Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) finale against Truett McConnell University, dropping both contests by scores of 8-0 and 6-0. With the results, the Cavaliers moved to 18-24 (8-18 AAC), while Truett McConnell improved to 26-15 (15-9 AAC) on the year.
The Bears struck first in the second inning of game one with a single to center field before advancing to second on a fielding error. The runner moved to third on another miscue, and a third error helped bring the hosts' first run home. TMU held a 1-0 lead after two frames of action.
In the third inning, Truett McConnell expanded its advantage with a double to right center followed by two singles that brought in a run. A double to left center later cleared the bases for two additional scores. By the end of the frame, the Bears led 5-0.
TMU added to its total in the fourth inning with a solo home run to left field before a double to left center plated two more runs. Montreat was unable to respond in the fifth, bringing the game to an 8-0 run-rule finish.
Lauryn Bishop worked 3 2/3 innings, allowing 11 hits and seven earned runs. Gabby Burkhart entered in relief for 1/3 of an inning, needing seven pitches to retire the lone batter she faced.
Aaliyah Penalber recorded a hit and added a stolen base. Lauren Davis also collected a base hit, while Nevaeh Rivera and Addison Staton each contributed a knock, highlighting the Cavaliers' offensive efforts.
In game two, Montreat threatened in the first inning after Nadilyn Eason singled and Jasmine Rachal was hit by a pitch, but the Cavs were unable to capitalize and ultimately left the bases loaded. TMU responded in the bottom half with a two-RBI single to take an early 2-0 lead.
In the second inning, Bre Speight singled to left field, though Montreat again left the runner stranded. Truett McConnell extended its lead with a double down the left field line to make the score 3-0.
The game remained quiet until the sixth inning when the Bears broke through with three unearned runs, beginning with an error that opened the door for a scoring sequence. TMU later added an RBI single to stretch the margin to 6-0.
Montreat was unable to generate offense in the seventh, closing the game with a 6-0 defeat.
Mykenzie Flores delivered a complete-game effort in the second contest, working six innings and allowing nine hits and six runs, with only two of those being earned. She issued five walks, struck out four and threw 121 pitches.
Eason led the lineup with two hits from the second spot. Abigail Wyatt reached base twice with a hit and a walk, while Davis added a hit as the designated player. Speight contributed another base knock, and Marleigh Carswell added a pinch-hit single in the seventh to wrap up the offensive production for the Cavaliers.
Looking ahead, Montreat closes the regular season against Carolina University on Wednesday, April 22. The twin bill will take place in Clemmons, N.C., with first pitch set for 1 p.m.
