COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Montreat College softball team hit the road to take on Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) opponent Columbia International University on Thursday afternoon. The doubleheader saw the Cavaliers fall short in both contests, losing in extras in the opener, 2-1, before falling by an 11-3 final score in a run-rule shortened game two. As a result, the Cavs now sit with a 12-20 (4-14 AAC) record, while the Rams improved to 26-10 (9-7 AAC) on the year.
The first game of the slate saw the hosts take early control in the initial inning. After the leadoff hitter reached on an infield single, she later scored on a sacrifice bunt, putting CIU ahead 1-0 through one frame.
Despite the first-inning offense, the next four frames were highlighted by quality defense and pitching, as neither team was able to find its way home. Montreat finally broke through in the sixth inning when Nevaeh Rivera blasted her first career homer to left field. The sophomore couldn't have picked a better time as the home run evened the score at 1-1.
Both squads found themselves with runners in scoring position in their respective halves of the seventh, but neither could capitalize, thus sending game one to extras. Columbia International needed just one inning of additional play to plate the winning run with an RBI single. The game concluded with the Rams coming out on top, 2-1.
Lauryn Bishop got the start and tossed every pitch for the visitors, throwing 7 2/3 innings. She allowed seven hits and two runs while issuing one walk and striking out three batters.
Abigail Wyatt finished with two hits, including a triple, and added a stolen base. Rivera recorded a homer, contributing the only run and RBI.
The second game of the twin bill got off to a strong start for Montreat. Aaliyah Penalber was hit by a pitch and proceeded to swipe both second and third base, setting the stage for Jasmine Rachal to drive her in with a groundout to short. Wyatt later singled, bringing Nadilyn Eason home, who reached on a walk. The hosts pulled a run back thanks to a sacrifice fly during the ensuing half inning, but the Cavaliers still held a 2-1 lead after one.
CIU flipped the script and jumped out in front with a big second frame. Utilizing some small ball tactics and timely hitting, the Rams tacked on five runs to grab a 6-2 lead.
In the third inning, Rachal doubled and advanced to third on a groundout, which allowed Wyatt to send her home on a single up the middle, reducing the deficit to 6-3.
Despite the early momentum, the Cavaliers were unable to add any more run support. Columbia International extended its lead with two runs in the fourth inning and three in the fifth, ending the game in five frames with an 11-3 victory over the Cavs.
Olivia Bezjak started for Montreat in the circle, pitching 1 1/3 innings and allowing six runs, two of which were earned, on five hits. Mykenzie Flores hurled three innings in relief, giving up eight hits and five earned runs, while striking out three batters and walking one. Gabby Burkhart faced two batters in her appearance, allowing two hits without recording an out.
Penalber made a notable impact by stealing two bases, reaching safely twice and scoring one run. Rachal contributed with a double, one hit and one RBI. Wyatt led the scoring effort with two base knocks and two RBIs, demonstrating her effectiveness at the plate. Additionally, Bre Speight added one hit.
Looking ahead, the Cavs face Union Commonwealth University on Saturday, April 4. The AAC doubleheader is set for 4 p.m. at Roxy Hines Memorial Softball Field in Black Mountain, N.C.
