Duncan, SC – The Warriors fell in their first game of the day against the University of Mount Olive Trojans in a 5-3 final to force them into the loser's side of the Conference Carolinas Tournament bracket. However, they fought back as they took down the Young Harris Mountain Lions just a couple hours later in a 3-2 final.
Southern Wesleyan collected 10 hits in their first game of the day. Both Chloe Smith and Olivia Haag picked up two hits in the game. Smith and Rebecca Lamb had the lone multi-base hits as they each had doubles. The Warriors walked five times and Haag stole the only stolen base of the game. Anicka McFarland started the game in the circle and pitched two innings while striking out one batter. Bailey Throckmorton pitched the final five innings and struck out three batters.
The Warriors had six hits in their second game of the day. Reagan Fulcher led the team with two hits including a double. The other double of the game came off the bat of Madison Gantt. Southern Wesleyan walked four times and both Chloe Smith and Gabby Smith stole bases. Emily Collins started the game in the circle and pitched 6.1 innings while striking out four batters. Anicka McFarland closed out the game with one strikeout to gain her first save of the season.
Game Vitals
Game One Final: Mount Olive 5, Southern Wesleyan 3
Game Two Final: Southern Wesleyan 3, Young Harris 2
Records: Southern Wesleyan (36-13) Mount Olive (30-23) Young Harris (32-17)
How It Happened
Game One: Southern Wesleyan vs Mount Olive
The University of Mount Olive were the first on the board as a series of walks and a passed ball allowed Samantha Taylor to come in to score.
Southern Wesleyan answered in the bottom of the second inning. Chloe Smith led off the inning by taking a four pitch walk. Olivia Haag then hit a single into center field to allow Smith to advance to second base. A wild pitch allow both runners to advance. A four pitch walk to Abby Schriener loaded up the bases and brought Abby Lawson up to the plate. Lawson sent the ball into right field to bring both Smith and Haag in to score and give the Warriors a 2-1 run lead.
A double off the bat of Emma King allowed the Trojans to regain the lead as both McKenzie Millard and Kynley Brewer came in to score.
The Trojans would not back down as they scored again in the fourth and sixth innings to take a 5-2 run lead over the Warriors.
The Warriors challenged in the bottom of the sixth inning as with two outs Reagan Fulcher walked. Rebecca Lamb sent the ball down the left field line for a double that allow Fulcher to come in to score. However, the Warriors fell to the Trojans in a 5-3 final score.
Game Two: Southern Wesleyan vs Young Harris
Southern Wesleyan struck first in the top of the second inning. Chloe Smith walked and then advanced to second as Olivia Haag laid down a bunt single. A sacrifice bunt off the bat of Abby Schreiner allowed both Smith and Haag to advance. Megan Ware hit a bunt single to allow both Smith and Haag to come across home plate to give the Warriors a 2-0 run advantage over the Mountain Lions.
The Warriors would not back down as they extended their lead in the top of the third. Reagan Fulcher led off the inning by hitting a double to left center field. With one out, Rebecca Lamb sent the ball over the third baseman's head and into left field for a single to allow Fulcher to come in to score.
Young Harris answered in the bottom of the third inning as a series of singles allowed Bailee Brown to come in to score.
The Mountain Lions cut the Warriors lead down to one run in the bottom of the fourth inning as a ground out by Haley Cumings allowed Maddy Brady to cross home plate.
Southern Wesleyan continued to battle as Anicka McFarland came in to close out the game. After allowing one single, McFarland forced Mallory Clark to ground out. With two runners in scoring position, Anna Kate Hill swung through the fourth pitch McFarland threw to her to strike out and allow the Warriors to claim a 3-2 run victory over Young Harris.
What's Next
Southern Wesleyan will take on the Chowan Hawks on April 25 at noon in the next round of the tournament.
