Cochran, GA | The Thomas University Softball Team faced off against the Knights of #17 Middle Georgia State University in an SSAC doubleheader matchup on Friday afternoon.
Game One
In the bottom of the first inning, the Knights would strike first to plate four runs on four hits. In the following inning, they would plate an additional run on two hits. Then, in the bottom of the third inning, they would plate one final run to lead the Night Hawks 6-0.
In relief, Alissa Mankiewich would prevent the Knights from producing any additional runs. In four innings of work in the circle, Mankiewich allowed just four hits and zero earned runs.
Despite Mankiewich's effort and several scoring opportunities, the Night Hawks would leave seven base runners stranded and fail to produce a run. The Knights would take game one, 6-0.
Game Two
The second contest would begin similarly to game one. In the bottom of the first inning, the Knights would plate 3 early runs courtesy of a three RBI homerun.
Kennedy Hardy would provide a large response for the Night Hawks in the top of the third inning. With Sheppard on third base, Hardy would send a line drive shot over the left field fence to cut the deficit to two runs, 3-2.
The Knights would strike once more in the bottom of the fourth inning, by plating one run on two hits.
Trailing 4-2, Kennedy Hardy would provide the response, yet again. With Sheppard and Grace Hodges in scoring position, Hardy would smash a two RBI single to even the score at four a piece.
The Night Hawks would carry this momentum to the following inning. In the top of the sixth, AnnMarie McAfee would kickstart the inning with a leadoff single. Hailie Stewart would follow with a bunt single, then an Elizabeth Soto RBI single would allow Lauren Hicks, who pinch ran for McAfee, to score. Ansley Eason would then produce a two RBI single to further the Night Hawk lead, 7-4.
The Night Hawks had more to show in the top of the seventh inning. A McAfee walk, Stewart single, and Soto hit by pitch would load the bases. With bases loaded, Ashton Lewis would groundout to second base allowing McAfee to score. Averie Sheppard would then provide the final surge with a two RBI single that would give the Night Hawks a six-run advantage, 10-4. The Knights would not recover.
Sierra Ussery would be credited with the win for the Night Hawks. In seven innings of work, Ussery held the 17th ranked Knights to just seven hits and four earned runs.
In the contest, the Night Hawks outhit the Knights 12-7. Seven different Night Hawks recorded a hit.
Next Up
The Night Hawks will be back in action on March, 15th to take on the Eagles of Faulkner University. The SSAC matchup will feature a doubleheader beginning at 4 PM in Montgomery, AL.
For up-to-date information on this game and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com. Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by-play, and feature stories of your TU Softball team by following them via X, previously known as Twitter, at @NightHawksSoftb.
