ANDERSON, S.C.-The Anderson University softball used solid pitching and timely pitching to earn a home doubleheader sweep over South Atlantic Conference foe Catawba winning game one, 2-1 (8 innings) and winning game two, 4-0 on Sunday afternoon at the AU Softball Complex.
With the victories, Anderson moves to 27-11 overall and 9-5 in SAC play while the Indians drop to 19-20 overall and 7-7 in conference action.
Game #1
Anderson 2, Catawba 1
Both Anderson and Catawba were able to score a run in the first inning while remaining all knotted up over the next six innings.
Catawba's placed runner (international tie-break rule) in the top of the eighth moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. Freshman Kayla Pepper recorded her third strikeout of the game for out number two while getting the third batter of the inning to pop-out to the shortstop.
AU's placed runner, senior Trudi Shuman, advanced to third on pinch-hitter Abigail Webb's sacrificed bunt. Sophomore Meghan Majeski singled thru the left sided to score the game-winning run.
Anderson's Pepper (9-4) gave up seven hits while striking out three in her 8.0 innings of work.
Catawba's Preston Ellenberg (6-3) suffered the loss in 7.1 innings giving up five hits while striking out five Trojans.
Game #2
Anderson 4, Catawba 0
Anderson used three straight singles and a grand slam to center by senior Cailah Niles to jump out to a 4-0 lead after two complete innings of play.
The four runs proved to be enough as freshman Harlie Duncan (12-3) pitched a one-hit shutout earning her 12th win of the season. Duncan walked one batter while striking out five.
NOTABLES
- Niles batted 2-for-3 in game two with a grand slam and a single up the middle.
- Junior Kasey Grant was 3-for-5 with a double and two singles on the day.
- Sophomore Meghan Majeski batted 3-for-5 on the day with scoring and driving in a run.
UP NEXT
Anderson will travel to SAC opponent Queens on Saturday. First pitch is slated for Noon.
