#9 Softball Splits CCS Double-Header With Maryville

MONTGOMERY, Ala.- Looking to build off of their conference-opening sweep of Wesleyan College, #9 Huntingdon Softball dropped their first CCS contest in the first of their two games against Maryville 1-0 before rebounding for an emphatic 8-1 victory to close out the double-header against the Scots. 

Game One

The opener was dominated by pitching on both sides, as Huntingdon was edged 1-0 despite a stellar outing in the circle.

Allie Roberts was outstanding, striking out 10 batters and allowing just one hit across seven innings. The game remained scoreless until the seventh inning, when Maryville broke through with a solo home run to account for the only run of the contest.

Offensively, the Hawks were limited to three hits from Taylor Au, Kate Dinkel, and Payton Gilchrist. Huntingdon was unable to generate sustained pressure, leaving four runners on base in the narrow defeat.

Game Two

Huntingdon bounced back in a big way in the second game, using an explosive early offensive surge to secure the split.

The Hawks struck quickly, plating three runs in the first inning highlighted by a two-run triple from Kylie Stephens and an RBI single from Riley Rudick. Huntingdon added two more runs in the second to extend the lead to 5-0 and never looked back.

Stephens led the offensive charge with three hits and four RBI's, while Kate Dinkel added a two-run home run as part of an eight-run, 10-hit performance. Rudick also turned in a perfect day at the plate with three hits and an RBI.

In the circle, the combination of Allie Roberts and Addison Gaines proved effective. Gaines tossed six innings, striking out eight while allowing just one run on three hits to earn the win in relief. The Hawks' pitching staff combined for 11 strikeouts in the victory.

The Hawks will look to carry their momentum into a double-header tomorrow, March 21st, against MUW. Games are set for 3:30 and 5:30 PM CT.