Photo Courtesy of Sammy Croft
BURLINGTON, N.C. – The Lees-McRae College softball team split a pair of games on the first day of the Conference Carolinas softball tournament Friday afternoon. LMC dropped its first game of the day to Pfeiffer, 8-3, but rebounded to knock off Mount Olive by a score of 9-3 to remain alive in the tournament.
Game 1 Recap – The Bobcats started quickly in their matchup against Pfeiffer as they got out to an early 2-0 lead thanks to a solo home run from Kara Cunningham and a RBI double by Caitlyn Ray. Despite the fast start by Lees-McRae, the Falcons used a patient approach at the plate to not only tie the game but also vault in front of LMC before finishing off the 8-3 win.
LMC did not have any shortage of offensive opportunities in the contest. Overall, the Bobcats totaled 10 base hits and drew three walks against the Falcons' pitching staff. However, Lees-McRae could not string anything together to produce a big inning as it left 10 runners on base.
Cunningham struggled with her control against the Falcons as she had nine walks in the game. The Indian Trail, N.C. native pitched a total of four-and-two-thirds innings with eight runs (five earned) to go along with three strikeouts. Cunningham's record dipped to 7-12 with the loss.
Game 2 Recap – Unlike in their first game of the day, the Bobcats grouped some hits together and it showed as they scored nine runs on 15 hits to avoid elimination in a 9-3 victory over Mount Olive. The Bobcats also flashed some power in the victory as the team matched a season-high with five doubles in the contest.
The trio of Cunningham, Sarah Stallings and Sarah Tucker were instrumental in this offensive performance for LMC as they combined to go 9-for-12 with three RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base.
Taylor Billings picked up the win in the circle for the Bobcats after tossing five-and-two-third innings allowing three runs on five hits. Cunningham came in to pick up the last four outs and in doing so notched her first save of the season.
Next Up – The Bobcats, now 15-33 on the season, will look to keep their season alive Saturday as they continue play in Burlington. LMC will face off against top-seeded Pfeiffer again after the Falcons fell to Erskine, 3-0. First pitch is scheduled for noon.
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