ANDERSON, S.C. – Senior Kayson Boatner drilled five home runs to help lead the Trojans (27-5, 10-2 SAC) to a doubleheader sweep over South Atlantic Conference opponent Tusculum (20-15, 7-7 SAC) highlighted by senior Harlie Duncan setting AU's All-Time Career record for wins in the circle with 59. The Black and Gold won game one, 5-0, and rallied to win game two, 12-6, on Tuesday afternoon at the AU Softball Complex.
"In game one, Laken had another great outing with plenty of run support," said head coach Tommy Hewitt.
"I am so proud of Harlie for her record setting 59 career win game achievement, previously owned by another outstanding AU pitcher in her on right, Lauren Rudeshiem," boasted Hewitt.
"What a team effort," exclaimed Hewitt. "This team never, ever gave up! And then there was Kayson Boatner, wow what a day, five home-runs, including eight RBI. Her performance was something special today, that I don't think anyone will soon forget!"
The Trojans provided plenty of run support for sophomore Laken Maxwell to pick up her 15th win of the season. Maxwell pitched a complete game shutout, giving up just two hits while striking out 11. Maxwell is currently first in the SAC in ERA (1.60), tied for first in wins (15) and ranks second in total strikeouts with 166.
Anderson collected five hits on the afternoon, which included two doubles and two home runs. Seniors Jessica Neadow and Sydney Belcher each hit a double, while senior Kayson Boatner singled and blasted two home runs, collecting three RBI.
Tusculum jumped out to a 4-0 lead in game two, before back-to-back home runs by junior Hope Gullatt and Belcher. Boatner drilled a solo shot in the third inning to cut the lead in half, 6-3.
Anderson exploded for eight runs in the bottom half of the fourth inning, highlighted by Boatner's three-run bomb to tie the game at 6-6. Junior Olivia Rose Wheeler singled to drive in the go-ahead-run, while senior Gracie William's double drove in three runs. Neadow's single drove in the final run of the inning.
Boatner set the final score at, 12-6, hitting her fifth round-tripper of the day. The native of Phenix City, Ala., went 7-of-7 with a double, five home runs, eight RBI and six runs scored. Boatner is first in the SAC in total home runs (18), second in RBI (46) and second in batting average (.455).
AU's Duncan (11-2) pitched seven innings, giving up five hits and striking out two. Duncan set the school record for most career wins (59), which was previously held by Lauren Rudesheim (2014-2017).
Anderson remains home to host SAC opponent Newberry on Saturday. First-pitch of the doubleheader is slated for 1 pm.
