Hawks Split With #10 Trine and #1 East Texas Baptist

COLUMBUS, Ga.- On day two of the NFCA Leadoff Classic, Huntingdon Hawks Softball drew matchups against nationally ranked opponents, first defeating #10 Trine 2-1 in 8 innings before falling 8-3 to the reigning national champions, #1 ranked ETBU, for their first loss of the season.

Game One v. #10 Trine

In what turned out to be a low-scoring affair, Miranda Treadway started off hot, hitting a single shot home run in the opening frame to give the Hawks an early 1-0 lead. 

Through the next 4 innings, neither team could find their way onto the bases, with the lone hit of the dry spell belonging to the Hawks. Freshman pitcher Addison Gaines controlled the game from the mound, pitching 5 strikeouts while keeping the Thunder without a base hit. In the bottom of the 6th inning, Trine finally managed to get on the board, crossing home plate on an error to even things at 1. Each squad recorded a hit in the seventh inning, but couldn't secure a run, forcing extras.

To open extras, freshman Amya Wommack stole third base before cashing in on a sacrifice fly from Katie Burch to break the ice and put the Hawks ahead 2-1. To secure the game and her 4th victory on the year, Gaines pitched two strikeouts to put a stamp on the Hawks upset victory over the #10 ranked Thunder. 

Game Two v. #1 ETBU

East Texas Baptist came out swinging in the first inning, scoring two runners in the top frame to claim an early lead. The Hawks responded loudly in the following frame with three runs to take a slight 3-2 lead into the second inning. Maddie Grace Hubbard earned her first run of the day off a single from Miranda Treadway before Amya Wommack returned the favor with a double to score Treadway and Jordan Holman to put the Hawks ahead.

From the second inning on, the Tigers were able to control every aspect of the game.  The Hawks recorded just two more hits throughout the game as ETBU built up their lead to walk away with the victory, 8-3.

Allie Roberts took her first loss on the season, allowing 5 runs on as many hits while throwing 4 strikeouts in 4 innings. Addison Gaines pitched the final 3 innings for the Hawks, allowing 3 runs on 2 hits.

The Hawks conclude at the NFCA Leadoff Classic tomorrow, March 2nd, as they face off with Redlands and St. John Fisher. Games are set for 12:30 and 2:30 PM CT.