SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Carson-Newman (15-3) split its first two games at the Mid-South Classic. The Eagles topped Erskine 9-0 in a five-inning run-rule affair to extend a win streak to a season-long eight games before falling in the nightcap to no. 16 Flagler 10-4.
Game one: C-N 9, Erskine 0 (5)
Carson-Newman collected its 10th run rule win of the season and its eighth win in a row with a 9-0 decision over Ersine (2-6-1) in the Eagles first game at the Mid-South Classic.
The Eagles used the long ball yet again to come away with a win. Brittany Hefner (Talbot, Tenn.) cranked a first inning grand slam – her league leading eighth home run – while Sara Kelley (Ooltewah, Tenn.) blasted a solo shot in the fourth to stay in third place on the SAC leaderboard with six homeruns this year.
The Eagles raced out to another first inning league by virtue of Hefner's bomb. The Eagles have outscored opponents in the first inning 27-2 this year. Braleigh Angel (Hixson, Tenn.) singled to second; Kelli Hensley (Knoxville, Tenn.) was hit by a pitch and Bri Shoemake (Ooltewah, Tenn.) singled up the gut to set the stage for the grand slam all before the Flying Fleet could record an out.
"That was just a continuation of what we did against Lees-McRae, Concord and Limestone," Carson-Newman head softball coach Vickee-Kazee-Hollifield said. "We hit the ball well and pitched it well."
Kaitie Sims (Soddy-Daisey, Tenn.) picked up her ninth win of the season to move to 9-0 in the circle to start her Eagle career. She has allowed seven runs in her last four appearances.
Game two: No. 16 Flagler 10, C-N 4
Carson-Newman held a 4-3 lead on the Saints in the fourth before a couple defensive miscues led to a big fifth inning for the Saints and the six run margin of victory.
"They're very solid defensively and have three and four hitters that can hit the long ball," Kazee-Hollfield said. "They're a complete team. We played well until the fifth inning, but timely hits undid us. We gave them an inch and they took a mile with a couple misplayed balls. This was a good test for us and we've got to respond."
The Eagles stay in Spartanburg, S.C. for two more games Saturday at the Mid-South Classic. Carson-Newman plays Columbus State at 10 a.m. before tangling with no. 10 Armstrong Atlantic at 2 p.m.
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