Demorest, GA – For the third time in four seasons, the Piedmont College Lady Lion Softball team has sealed a regular season conference crown with a split against Huntingdon College.
Piedmont dropped the first contest of the day 1-0 to the Hawks and came back to win game two 7-4 to seal the top seed in the USA South Tournament.
Game 1 Score: Piedmont 0, Huntingdon 1
Game 2 Score: Piedmont 7, Huntingdon 4
In game one, both teams recorded three hits in a 1-0 win for the Hawks (17-19; 11-9) after a double scored an unearned run in the third inning for the only run of the game. On senior day, Laura Carter recorded one of the three hits of the day with Jessica Bagwell and Allyson Gentry earning the other pair.
Sarah Walker was dominant in the circle allowing just three hits but took the loss moving to 12-5 overall. Walker fanned eight batters marking a season-high and tying her career-best which she has hit three times now.
The second game was all Lady Lions (28-11; 16-4) early as Piedmont put up six runs in the second to set the tone in a 7-4 game. Piedmont scored six runs on three hits and three errors in the frame as the Lady Lions sent 11 batters to the plate.
The Hawks scored once in the third and added a pair in the fifth but the Lady Lions held on despite a rally in the top of the seventh that saw the Hawks score a run.
Melissa Eckman earned the win moving to 11-4 overall this season while Walker earned the save for her second in as many days.
Turning Point
–A double in the third inning of game one scored the lone run of the game for the Hawks in a 1-0 victory.
–Piedmont never trailed with six runs in the second inning of game two.
Standout Performances
–Sarah Walker pitched the complete game taking the loss after allowing just three hits, no earned runs and striking out eight batters.
–Melissa Eckman tossed four and a third innings and did not allow a hit until the third allowing a total of just three hits.
Inside the Box Score
–Piedmont left 12 batters on base in game one after just three hits and being walked five times.
News & Notes
–The Lady Lions have earned the ninth regular season championship under Head Coach Terry Martin since the 2002 season.
Up Next
–Piedmont awaits word on the USA South Tournament seeding which will be announced later by the conference to determine who their opponent will be. The USA South tournament will be April 15-17 in Rocky Mount, N.C.
How to Follow
To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont College Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, Snapchat: @PiedmontLions and Facebook.