JEFFERSON CITY, TENN. – No. 13 Anderson University softball team (37-7, 20-4 SAC) dropped its opening road contest at South Atlantic Conference opponent Carson-Newman (32-14, 12-10 SAC), 8-1, bouncing back in the nightcap to win, 1-0, earning sole possession of the SAC regular season title on Thursday at The Vick.
"It has been a long hard day, but we never gave up," said head coach Tommy Hewitt. "We ARE the South Atlantic Conference Champions. Go Trojans!"
Carson-Newman took game one, 8-1, after using 12 hits and two errors to score eight runs. The Eagles jumped out front, 4-0, after two innings of play and never looked back.
The Trojans managed just five hits, however one of those five was off the bat of senior Kayson Boatner. Boatner blasted her record setting 23rd home run of the season, breaking AU's season record of 22 that was held by Cailah Niles (2015) and tying the SAC season record that is held by Lenoir-Rhyne's Kat Rivers (2010). The Phenix City, Ala. native currently leads all NCAA divisions in total season home runs.
Senior Harlie Duncan (16-3) suffered just her third loss of the season. Duncan gave up 12 hits, while striking out two batters.
Carson-Newman's Morgen Baker-Celis (4-0) pitched a five-hit dandy, walking none and striking out seven Trojans.
Game two was a pitcher's duel with C-N's Baker-Celis getting the nod in game two, as well. Baker-Celis scattered eight hits with senior Morgan Charter taking advantage of a ball in the zone.
Anderson's Laken Maxwell (20-4) struck out the first seven of eight batters she faced on her way to a four-hit shutout. Maxwell recorded 11 strikeouts on the day to help the Trojans secure the SAC Regular Season Title.
Charter went 2-for-3 with a double and game winning home run, while senior Sydney Belcher also batted 2-for-3.
Anderson will be the top-seed in the South Atlantic Conference Tournament which begins on Friday April, 29th.
