Tiffany Hawley collected four hits and University of Mount Olive recorded a pair of double-digit scoring innings as the Trojans defeated Shaw 24-0 in game one of a non-conference softball doubleheader Tuesday at Nancy Chapman Cassell Field. The Trojans scored 10 runs - all with two outs - in the second inning and added 12 runs in the fourth inning.
The Trojans completed the sweep with a 16-2 victory in game two. Kelsey Akers hit an inside-the-park home run in the first inning and Lauren McGrath hit a two-run homer in a nine-run third inning.
In the opener, Mount Olive (3-1) took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first on Jazzmin Montgomery's two-out single. With two outs in the second, Beth Overman drew a walk with the bases loaded to begin the scoring eruption. Hawley hit a two-run single in the inning, Montgomery and Anna Ingram added rbi-singles and Kristin Power laced a two-run triple.
Lindsey Russell's three-run homer ignited the fourth-inning scoring for the Trojans. Scout Anderson added a three-run double.
Madison Johnston (2-0) recorded four strikeouts in three scoreless innings. Caitlin Ewers and Kylie Ward each tossed a scoreless inning in relief.
Mount Olive had to come from behind in game two as Shaw (0-2) took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first on Shanice Anderson's rbi-single.
The Trojans tied the game in the bottom of the first on Akers' liner to left field. The Bears' left fielder attempted a shoestring catch, allowing the ball to slice deep into foul territory. Akers was waved around third and scored without a throw.
"I was surprised when Coach (Mandy Sansbury) started waving me home," said Akers, a junior from Burlington, N.C. "I was excited to have a home run."
Mount Olive took the lead for good with two runs in the bottom of the second on rbi-singles by Sierra Vanzant and Savannah Becker. Shaw pulled within 3-2 on a run-scoring double by Anderson, her second rbi of the game.
The Trojans opened a nine-run third inning with four consecutive extra-base hits. Overman and Montgomery sandwiched doubles around Russell's triple and McGrath followed with a two-run homer that just cleared the left field fence. Becker and Russell added sacrifice flies and two runs scored on an infield error.
Lauren Smith (1-1) pitched the first three innings and Ewers threw the final two innings.
Mount Olive returns to action this weekend as the Trojans travel to Savannah, Ga., to compete in the Armstrong State Pirate Classic. The Trojans play single games against Queens and Armstrong State Saturday and Sunday. Game times both days are 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.