BRISTOL, Tenn. --- Judith Saavedra went 6-for-8 on the day as the Tusculum College softball team swept a non-conference doubleheader over host King College Monday afternoon.
Tusculum erupted for six runs in the third inning of the opener to post a 9-3 victory. In the second game, TC had to rally from a pair of two-run deficits en route to an 11-6 decision. The Pioneers improve to 8-1 on the season, while the Tornado (0-6) remains winless on the year.
Game 1: Tusculum 9, King 3
In game one, Saavedra scored twice, recorded three hits, including a double as TC won 9-3. Starting pitcher Holli Cadenhead (3-0) went the distance as she allowed three runs, seven hits, walked three and struck out three in the victory.
Ashley Basilicato went 2-for-4 with a double and a home run, while Jenica Fernandez also recorded a two-hit game. Freshman Raeanne Slate connected on a two-run homer in TC's six-run, third inning.
Game 2: Tusculum 11, King 6
In the night-cap, Tusculum plated four runs each in the third and fifth innings as the Pioneers posted its third straight win, 11-6. MacKenzie Loy had the hot bat for the Pioneers as she went 4-for-5, including a double and a two-run homer in the fifth inning as TC took the lead for good.
Brie Griffin blasted a three-run homer in the third inning to get the Pioneers on the board, while Saavedra and Cadenhead posted three hits each. Basilicato added a pair of singles as the Pioneers finished with 15 hits in the game.
Megan DuBois (4-1) relieved Slate in the fourth inning and held King scoreless to post her fourth win of the season. DuBois recorded five strikeouts in her relief effort.
Tusculum will be on the road this Friday for a doubleheader at USC Aiken.