JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman (26-10, 5-5 South Atlantic Conference) faces a short turnaround to rebound from its second largest loss in program history when it travels to Harrogate to face Lincoln Memorial (21-10, 7-3 SAC) Tuesday at 2 p.m.
The Eagles dropped a doubleheader to no. 14 Lenoir-Rhyne Sunday, losing game two 10-0. That contest marked the sixth time in the program's 29-year history it had lost a game by 10 runs.
"I'm glad we only have one day between games," C-N head coach Vickee Kazee-Hollifield said. "We tune up Monday and then get ready to play the Railsplitters. I think it benefits and helps us to get ready to play as soon as we can."
C-N and LMU split a bizarre doubleheader last year. In game one, the Railsplitters tied a school record for most runs allowed (15) and the second most hits allowed (17) en route to a 15-6 run-rule win in six innings.
However, the Eagles turned around and turned the tables on LMU in game two, stomping the Railsplitters 19-2. The game featured the most runs scored and the most hits for C-N since 2007.
Brittany Hefner (Talbott, Tenn.), Cassie Elliot and Bethany Davis all clubbed home runs in the second game.
Kazee-Hollifield said the Eagles could be in for another slugfest.
"I think they live a bit by their hitting like we have been," Kazee-Hollifield said. "These are absolutely crucial games for us. We have to pitch better than we have our last few outings. We have a chance with two wins to make things interesting in the SAC."
The Eagles have given up an average 13 hits and 11.5 runs per game over their past four contests.
The Railsplitters are led by Brianna Mulkey who leads the SAC in stolen bases with .58 a game. LMU has stolen more bases than any other team in the league.
Carson-Newman's Sara Kelley (Ooltewah, Tenn.) needs three more home runs to tie Sarah Little for the program's all-time record for the category. Hefner needs two more to move into a tie for third with Whitney Hickam and her 27.
Kelli Hensley's (Knoxville, Tenn.) 68 hits this year put her 19 away from matching the single season record for the category held by Jessie Howard and Sammi Hatcher.
First pitch from Harrogate is set for 2 p.m. Follow along with the game on Twitter by following @cnathletics.
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