RECAPPING THE WEEK
The Pioneers (14-6) went 2-4 over the week, including dropping the last three. Tusculum split the doubleheaders against Limestone and UVa-Wise, but was swept by archrival Carson-Newman.
Bree Whitson had a phenomenal week, highlighted by the sophomore's first two career homeruns. The designated player batted a team-leading .538, a .667 on-base percentage, and slugged 1.000. She finished with seven hits, five runs batted in, five walks, four runs scored, and two steals. Ivee Richesin led the pitching staff with 2-1 mark in 17 innings of work. The junior started 4-of-6 contests, allowing 24 hits, nine earned runs, six walks, and struck out 14 batters, including a career-high nine at UVa-Wise.
LOOKING AHEAD
North Greenville (10-12) are currently on an eight-game losing streak are also 6-10 away from their Tigerville campus. Brianna McRae is batting .393 with seven extra base hits, 16 RBI, and has drawn nine walks. Jaelin Griffin has seen the most action amongst the staff, pitching 57.1 innings and going 5-4 thus far. She has given up 43 base hits, 35 walks, 26 earned runs, and struck out 62 batters.
Erskine (3-16) and Tusculum have already met once this season, as the Pioneers took the extra-inning affair 4-2. The Flying Fleet have lost their last seven games, but face Newberry on Tuesday. Allison Neeley is the lone Erskine batter averaging over .300 with her .308 mark. The outfielder has started all 19 games with 16 hits (with five four extra bases), 15 walks, 10 runs scored, and six RBI. Hannah Houge has been the workhorse for the Fleet, earning all three Erskine wins in 87 innings pitched, but has allowed 94 hits, 40 earned runs, 31 walks, and 93 strikeouts.
Queens (14-13) also has a busy week, including a conference tilt with No. 17 Lenoir-Rhyne on Tuesday. McKenzie McCullen has been the offensive force for the Royals. On a .363 batting average, she has accumulated 29 hits with 14 for extra bags, 24 RBI, 19 walks earned, and 17 runs scored. Courtney Pearson has pitched the most amongst the roster with 81.1 innings. The right-hander has a 6-8 record with 83 hits, 46 earned runs, 31 walks, and 73 strikeouts.
Links to live stats and video for Tusculum University athletic events can be found through tusculumpioneers.com.
