MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Megan Steinmeyer fired her second no-hitter of the season as Piedmont began its CCS Tournament run with a 6-0 shutout win over Asbury on Wednesday afternoon in Montgomery, Alabama.
In the first game played at the tournament, Steinmeyer made it a memorable one, tossing her first 7.0 inning no-hitter after firing a 6.0 inning no-no on her Senior Day against Agnes Scott earlier this season.
The Appling, Georgia native struck out a season-high tying seven and issued four walks while also contributing at the plate, going 2-for-3 with an RBI.
She was also helped out by her defense, as a diving catch by Kennedy Votava in the fourth inning helped keep the no-hitter alive in the middle innings.
Offensively, the Lions jumped on the Asbury starting pitcher with a five-run first inning that proved to be all they needed.
Back-to-back singles by Maddi Spieks and Mandi Peretti set the table for Jasmine Lowery, who drove in both with her team and CCS-leading seventh triple of the season. Steinmeyer followed with a single to add another run.
Then, after the Eagles were able to record two outs, Piedmont again loaded the bases thanks to a fielder’s choice and back-to-back infield singles from Jordyn Green and Votava. With the opportunity to break the game open early, Heartly Nepveux delivered in the clutch, driving home two more as the Lions batted around and took a 5-0 lead to the second.
While Piedmont added an unearned run in the third, Steinmeyer was the story the rest of the way, shutting down any chance of an Asbury rally with her brilliance in the circle.
With the win, the Lions advance into the winner’s bracket but will face a tough test ahead on Thursday, taking on No. 1 seed and host Huntingdon with first pitch scheduled for 11 a.m. (ET).
TURNING POINT:
– Piedmont’s five-run first inning stunned the Eagles, who were then no-hit by Steinmeyer.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
– Steinmeyer saved her best career performance for the big stage, tossing her first career 7.0 inning no-hitter after having one of the 6.0 inning variety earlier this season.
– 8-of-9 Lions in the starting lineup recorded at least one hit.
– Votava showcased her all-around skills, with a fourth inning diving grab to preserve Steinmeyer’s no-hit bid.
NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 6, Asbury 0
Records: Piedmont, 24-17; Asbury, 22-13
