Lady Cats End Home Schedule with Losses to UTS
MCKENZIE, Tenn. - Tennessee Southern used a pair of big innings to power past Bethel 9–1 on Tuesday afternoon in the first game of a doubleheader at the Kahlden Complex in McKenzie.
After falling behind 1–0 in the first on Riley Sharp's solo home run, UT Southern quickly took control. The Firehawks broke through in the third inning, plating three runs to grab a 3–1 lead. Lauren Pettie drove in a run, and Mikayla McCain added a two-RBI hit to swing momentum.
The game turned decisively in the fourth, when Tennessee Southern erupted for six runs. Emory Hall delivered the biggest blow with a three-RBI performance, including an extra-base hit, while Alaina Grace King and Marie Bodily each contributed RBI knocks. The Firehawks racked up 11 hits in total, with multiple-hit games from Haley McDaniel, Pettie, King, and Hall.
In the circle, Ella Singletary was sharp in her outing, earning the win after allowing just one run on four hits over five innings. She struck out four and worked efficiently, facing only 19 batters.
Bethel managed four hits on the day, with Sharp accounting for the lone run via her first-inning homer. Kinsley Caruthers took the loss, while Amelia Sherrill finished the game in relief.
UTS used a big early inning to power past Bethel 11-0 in five innings in game two. The Firehawks broke things open in the second inning, erupting for eight runs on six hits and taking advantage of a pair of walks to seize complete control. Tennessee Southern added two more runs in the third and another in the fourth to put the run rule into effect.
Alaina Grace King led the offensive surge, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two doubles and four RBIs. Alyssa Mosley also delivered a big swing, driving in four runs, while Emory Hall added three hits and an RBI. Haley McDaniel, Marie Bodily, and Hannah Lindsey each contributed RBIs in the balanced attack as Tennessee Southern finished with 11 hits and 13 RBIs.
In the circle, Stella Gilbreath earned the win, tossing 4.1 shutout innings while allowing just two hits and two walks. Emma Ursery closed out the final two outs to complete the combined three-hit shutout.
Bethel struggled to generate offense, managing just three hits on the evening. Amelia Sherrill, Kayleigh Dunn, and Kinsley Caruthers each recorded a hit for the Lady Wildcats, but Bethel was unable to string together any scoring opportunities. Chanley Price took the loss. The game moved quickly, lasting just over an hour, as Tennessee Southern improved to 28-14 on the season while Bethel fell to 12-30.
The Cats close out their regular season Wednesday at Blue Mountain Christian with a doubleheader at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.