Salisbury, N.C.- Anderson University softball pounded out 15 hits to outscore Carson-Newman, 13-11, and deny the Eagles their third SAC Tournament Title in a row on Sunday afternoon at Whitley Field
Since joining the SAC in 2010, today's triumph is the second conference tournament title with the Black and Gold defeating Wingate, 5-0, to claim the 2014 championship.
Anderson improves to 32-20 overall and earns a bid as an automatic qualifier into the NCAA Tournament.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Anderson jumped out to a 7-0 lead after the first half inning of play, using two singles a double and four miscues by the Eagles.
Carson-Newman settled down scoring nine runs over the first three innings to take a 9-7 lead over the Black and Gold.
With the Trojans running low on outs, freshman Kayson Boatner came up huge with a three-run homerun to help Anderson reclaim the lead, 10-9, in the top of the sixth inning. The Trojans would add three insurance runs in the top of the seventh. After two quicks, the Eagles would rally for a couple of runs before grounding out to end the game.
NOTABLES
Senior Joshlyn Martin went 4-for-5 with two doubles and two RBI, while junior Meghan Majeski batted 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Freshman Gracie William went 2-for-3 with a double and crossed the plate twice for the Trojans. Boatner drilled her second homerun of the tournament and her 15th of the season.
Sophomores Harlie Duncan and Kayla Pepper (15-13) both saw action with Duncan getting the start and pitching 2.2 innings. Duncan gave up eight hits and nine runs (seven earned) before being lifted in favor of the southpaw. Pepper pitched the final 4.1 innings giving up five hits while striking out three.
The NCAA selection show is scheduled for May 6th at 10am. At that time, the Trojans will learn where they will begin their quest for a NCAA Championship Title.