GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- The Tusculum University softball team was only able to get the first game played of a scheduled doubleheader against Emmanuel on Tuesday (Feb. 22). The Pioneers pushed through sloppy conditions but fell short in their comeback attempt versus the Lions, 8-6.
Tusculum (9-6) is slated to host the Pioneer Classic over the weekend (Feb. 26-27), featuring UVA Wise, Lees-McRae, and Young Harris.
Mya Maddox and Anna Alloway both notched two hits, while the bench came up big in the latter innings. Maddox (2), Alyssa Suits (2), Alloway (1), and Kallyn Newport (1) drove the runs in for Tusculum.
Emmanuel loaded the bases in the opening frame but Emily Sappington was able to wiggle out of it with a fielder's choice and a pair of strikeouts.
The Lions struck first in the third inning after a double drove in a walk.
Tusculum responded with two runs of its own in the bottom half of the frame to take its first lead. Kiley Longmire singled to left center and Angela Masiello pinch ran for her. Masiello stole second and scored on Maddox's first double as a Pioneer. Alloway hit a shot right back up the middle to plate Maddox.
A five-run fifth for Emmanuel took the wind out of Tusculum. An inning-opening error allowed three unearned runs to score on five hits and a walk. The Lions also added two runs in the sixth to lead 8-2.
Down to its last three outs, Tusculum went to its bench for a spark. Madison Watts, who saw her first collegiate action behind the plate in the top of the seventh, was pinch hit for by Ashley Harbison. Makayla Bush ran for Harbison after she reached second on a double. Newport capitalized and scored Bush on a hit. Maddie McBride stepped in to hit for her first-ever at bat at Red Edmonds Field, drawing a walk. Madison McGinnis pinch ran and both she and Newport moved into scoring position on a passed ball. A Maddox single to left plated the lead runner Newport. Alloway walked to load the bases with two outs as the rain started coming in sideways. Suits made her lone hit count with a one-bagger through the left side, scoring Maddox and McGinnis. An infield pop-up was the final play and ceased the resurgence.
Sappington (5-3) fell in her third consecutive outing. This was the first time in 2022 that she did not throw a complete game. The lefty surrendered seven hits, six runs (three earned), career-high five walks, and five strikeouts. Keylon Reynolds entered in relief, pitching the final 2.1 innings. She struck out two and had two runs score on five hits.
