ANDERSON, S.C.-The Anderson University softball team split a South Atlantic Conference doubleheader with Mars Hill dropping game one, 6-1 while winning the nightcap, 3-2 on Wednesday afternoon at the AU Softball Complex.
NOTES
• The Trojans are now 28-8 overall and 6-2 in SAC play.
• Mars Hill moves to 9-21 overall and 2-6 in conference action.
NOTABLES
• Leading the Trojans at the plate, senior Augie Pena went 3-for-6 while knocking in two of the three runs in game two.
• Before leaving game one with an injury, freshman Meghan Majeski batted 1-for-2 with a stolen base. Majeski moves to the third slot on Anderson's all-time list for most stolen bases in a season needing five more to break the record of 26 set by Jessica Neidigh in 2014.
• Sophomore Kasey Grant picked up two hits on the day including a solo shot in game two.
• Senior Courtney Czentnar and freshman Mattie Hamilton each collected two hits in game two with Hamilton hitting her team-leading 11th double of the year.
• Junior Cailah Niles lone hit of the day was an RBI double driving in the only Trojan run in game one.
GAME 1
Anderson 1, Mars Hill 6
HOW IT HAPPENED
• The Lions took advantage of a walk, a fly ball lost in the sun and a two-out three run homer to claim the early 3-0 lead after the top half of the first innings.
• Mars Hill held the Black and Gold scoreless for six innings only allowing one run in the bottom of the third. Grant reach on a bunt single while Niles doubled down the left field line scoring the speedy Grant from first, 3-1.
• Mars Hill tacked on a run in the third and two in the fourth to set the final score at 6-1.
PITCHING
Pena (12-3) started in the circle for game one pitching three innings before being lifted in favor of junior Randee Bettis. Pena suffered just her third loss of the season after giving up four runs while walking two batters.
Mars Hill's Sydney Elkin (5-6) kept the Trojans off balance in seven innings of work. Elkin gave up six hits while striking out four on her way to her fifth victory of the season.
GAME 2
Anderson 3, Mars Hill 2
HOW IT HAPPENED
• Anderson was able to jump out to the early 1-0 lead in game two with Czentnar scoring on Pena's single to centerfield in the bottom of the second inning.
• Mars Hill took the lead in the top half of the third inning scoring two runs on two hits and a walk.
• The Trojans answered right back scoring one run in the bottom of the third. Hamilton reached on an infield hit advancing to second on a single by Czentnar. Pena drove in Hamilton for her second RBI of the game to knot the score at 2-2.
• With two outs in the bottom of the fourth, Grant drilled her third home run of the season to push the Trojans ahead, 3-2.
• Anderson held the Lions scoreless over the last four inning to secure the one-run win.
PITCHING
Senior Lauren Rudesheim (11-3) pitched her sixth complete game of the season giving up six hits while striking out four.
Mar Hill's Casey Stanek (2-6) gave up seven hits while striking out seven suffering her sixth loss of the season.
ANDERSON STAT OF THE DAY
Anderson has stolen 57 bases on the season, the most in program history.
UP NEXT
Anderson hits the road to face SAC opponent Queens on Saturday. First pitch of the doubleheader is slated for Noon.
