GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Tusculum University softball is scheduled to play three South Atlantic Conference series over a six day stretch. The Pioneers will host Wingate (Apr. 6) before traveling to archrival Carson-Newman 24 hours later. Queens will be Sunday's (Apr. 11) destination.

RECAPPING THE WEEK
The Pioneers (12-12, 6-6 SAC) split last week's doubleheaders against Lenoir-Rhyne and Limestone, including a 10 inning no-hitter and come-from-behind thriller.

Chloe Freischmidt powered the TU offense behind a .400 average, seven runs batted in, six hits, three runs scored, two home runs, and a double. Both of the catcher's homers came in game one at Limestone, scoring five of the team's six runs in the contest. The junior's double tied the nightcap in the top of the seventh and she came home for the winning run.

Pitcher Emily Sappington (5-5) also had a great week, both in the circle and at the plate. Of her four walks batting, three came in her record-breaking pitching performance. The sophomore left-hander tossed a 10 inning no-hitter, the longest in program history. In only 99 pitches, Sappington struck out nine Bears across the pitchers' duel.

As a team, Tusculum is ranked across the top-20 in four NCAA statistical categories: double plays (2nd; 14), sacrifice bunts (3rd; 27), double plays per game (11th; 0.58), and hit by pitch (12th; 25). Individually, Sappington's nine complete games rank her 21st in Division II.

LOOKING AHEAD
Wingate (14-14, 7-7 SAC) starts off its busy week by traveling to Greeneville. Heaven Maness has played in 24-of-28 games for the Bulldogs, but has been the biggest offensive performer. She is averaging .440 at the plate, totaling 33 hits, 26 RBI, 19 runs scored, seven doubles, five walks, and four homers. Haley Cashwell's 24 stolen bases are atop Division II. A dual threat, Aubrey Reep has 19 hits (eight for extra bases), 16 RBI (2nd-most on the team), and 13 walks. In the circle, she has pitched a team-leading 57.2 innings for a 4-3 record and 2.31 ERA, compiling 59 strikeouts, 20 walks, and 19 earned runs.

Carson-Newman (17-9, 10-8 SAC) hosts TU in its first series of the week. Shannon Smith is batting .421 through 95 at bats, totaling 40 hits (8th nationally), 37 RBI (5th in DII), 33 runs scored, 23 extra base hits, and four walks. Her 13 doubles are tied for the DII lead and the 81 total bases are good for third. Lacie Rinus, also a dual threat pitcher, has tossed the bulk of the Eagles games. In 83.1 innings, she has a 5-8 record on a 3.61 ERA with 74 strikeouts, 43 earned runs, and 33 walks. At the plate, Rinus has a batting average of .400 with 28 hits, 16 RBI, 10 runs scored, six walks, and four doubles. As a team, the Eagles are within the top-10 across DII in hits, runs, and sacrifice flies.

Queens (6-16, 2-12 SAC) travels to UVA Wise on Wednesday before welcoming the Pioneers for a Sunday matinee. McKenzie McCullen's .265 average leads the Royals, as do her 25 total bases, 13 RBI, seven walks, and four homers. Kayla Smith's 14 hits and three doubles are a team-best. Victoria Elder has been the go-to pitcher for Queens, compiling a 4-7 record, 34 strikeouts, 28 earned runs, and 17 walks across 56.1 innings.

Links to live stats and video for Tusculum University athletic events can be found through tusculumpioneers.com.

ATTENDANCE POLICIES
At this time, no fans of visiting teams are permitted at any Tusculum University venue. The full TU athletic attendance policy can be found here.

Fans or parents from visiting teams will be not allowed at Carson-Newman nor Queens home events until further notice.