Union Softball Shocks Truett McConnell in Conference Sweep

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – The Union Commonwealth University softball team (9-21, 4-8 AAC) swept its series against Truett McConnell (19-10, 8-4 AAC) Saturday afternoon at Union Field, earning a 5-4 win in Game One and a 6-3 victory in Game Two.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Game 1: Union Commonwealth 5, Truett McConnell 4

After two scoreless innings, Truett McConnell broke through in the third with an RBI single that brought in the first runs of the game to take a 2-0 lead.

The Bulldogs responded in the bottom half of the inning, as Savanna Higgins doubled to drive in Tori Smith, and Skylar Smith followed with an RBI single to score Higgins and tie the game at 2-2.

In the fourth inning, the Bears regained the lead with a single into left-center field that plated a run, making it 3-2.

Union answered in the bottom of the inning when Tori Turner singled to bring in Kenley Vanbibber, and Higgins followed with another RBI single to score Taylor Kelly and give the Bulldogs a 4-3 lead.

Following a scoreless fifth inning, Truett McConnell evened the score in the sixth with an RBI single to make it 4-4.

In the bottom of the inning, Higgins delivered again with a double that scored Turner, proving to be the game-winning hit as the Bears were held scoreless in the seventh, securing a 5-4 victory for the Bulldogs.

Pitching
W: Maggie Haydu (5-10): 7IP, 7H, 4R, 4ER, 6SO
L: Gabby Hughes: 5IP, 9H, 5R, 5ER, 2SO

Notable Performances

• Savanna Higgins: 3-for-4, 3RBI, R

• Tori Turner: 3-for-3, RBI, 2R

• Kenley Vanbibber: 1-for-2, R

Game 2: Union Commonwealth 6, Truett McConnell 3

The Bears got on the board first in the opening inning, using a pair of singles to drive in two runs and take a 2-0 lead.

The Bulldogs answered in the second inning when Elizabeth Smith launched a two-run home run to tie the game at 2-2.

Union took its first lead in the fourth inning as Kinsley Redmon doubled into right-center field, bringing home Vanbibber to make it 3-2.

Truett McConnell responded in the fifth inning with a sacrifice fly that scored a runner from third, evening the score at 3-3.

The Bulldogs regained the lead later in the fifth when Ashleigh McLeskey singled to right field, driving in Higgins for a 4-3 advantage.

Union added insurance in the sixth inning as Lily Allen tripled, scoring Higgins and Kelly to extend the lead to 6-3. Truett McConnell was unable to respond in the seventh, as the Bulldogs secured the upset sweep.

Pitching
W: Carly Cain (1-0): 4IP, 5H, 2R, ER
L: Elizabeth Bennett: 6IP, 7H, 6R, 6ER, 3SO

Save: Maggie Haydu: 3IP, R, ER, SO

Notable Performances

• Lily Allen: 2-for-4, 2RBI

• Elizabeth Smith: 1-for-3, HR, 2RBI, R

• Savanna Higgins: 1-for-3, 2R

Bulldog Notes

• This is the second series sweep for the Bulldogs this season.

• Smith extended her hitting streak to five games.

UP NEXT
The Bulldogs will travel to Paul Butcher Field in Pikeville, Kentucky, to take on UPIKE on Sunday, March 29, with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.