#16 Softball Opens Rhodes Invitational With Sweep Of Mary-Hardin Baylor

MEMPHIS, Tenn.- Returning to action following their double-header sweep of Mt. St. Joseph at home a week ago, #16 Huntingdon Softball hit the road for the first time this season, sweeping a double-header against the Crusaders of Mary-Hardin Baylor University with scores of 5-1 and 10-7.

Game One

Huntingdon used a big first inning and dominant pitching to take control early and never look back in the 5-1 victory.

The Hawks plated three runs in the bottom of the first to seize momentum. Kate Dinkel got the scoring started with an RBI single, and Kaylin Fincher followed with a two-run double to left center, stretching the lead to 3-0.

Fincher finished a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with two doubles and two RBIs, leading an 11-hit effort for Huntingdon. Kinley Hutto added two hits, including a double, while Dinkel and Payton Gilchrist each drove in a run. The Hawks were also aggressive on the bases, swiping four bags in the contest.

In the circle, Addison Gaines improved to 3-0 with a strong 5.1-inning outing, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out seven. Allie Roberts closed the door with 1.2 scoreless innings, striking out two to secure the win. Huntingdon limited Mary Hardin-Baylor to just four hits and struck out nine in the game.

Game Two

The second game featured an explosive start from the Hawks, who sent 13 batters to the plate in the first inning and scored eight runs to take early command.

Kylie Stephens highlighted the opening frame with a two-run double, while Dinkel added an RBI single. Huntingdon capitalized on defensive miscues and kept the pressure on with timely hits from Riley Rudick, Hutto and Kamryn Miller to build an 8-0 advantage before the Crusaders could settle in.

Stephens and Miller each had multi-hit games, and Huntingdon totaled 12 hits overall. Amaya Wommack delivered a key RBI double in the fifth inning, and Elli Lorance followed with an RBI single to extend the lead to 10-2. Rudick added a triple, and the Hawks once again showed aggressiveness on the bases with three stolen bags.

In the circle, McKenzie Little earned the win (2-0), tossing 6.2 innings and allowing two earned runs while striking out four. Mary Hardin-Baylor mounted a five-run rally in the fifth to tighten the contest, but Huntingdon's early offensive surge proved enough to complete the sweep.

The Hawks will close out the Rhodes Invitational tomorrow, March 1st, with a double-header against the host Lynx. Games are set for 12:00 and 2:00 PM CT.