Pippa Passes, KY: The NCCAA Mideast Regional Alice Lloyd College Lady Eagles opened up softball play on Sunday January 10th, when they hosted NAIA foe Indiana University Southeast. Due to the wet weather conditions we have had so far, the Lady Eagles have not been able to practice on their field. Despite that setback, Coach Nathan Hall seized an opportunity to finally allow his squad the chance to play outside and face some talented competition. He welcomed the tough challenge that should benefit his squad down the road. Following are recaps of each contest.
GAME 1
IUS – 15; Alice Lloyd – 0
On a cold, wet day, the visitors opened up the scoring with 1 run in the first inning, and added 2 more in the top of the second inning.
After a scoreless third inning, IUS would plate 3 runs in the fourth, to pull ahead 6-0. They would then ice the contest in the fifth with a big 9 run burst.
For ALC, freshman Alyssa Clark drilled a double to lead the way. Junior Alexis Napier, sophomore Jada Estep, and sophomore Morgan Robinson each smacked singles for the home squad, but the Lady Eagles were unable to string a few timely hits together.
Pitcher Emily Weiss earned the victory, allowing 4 hits while striking out 4 and walking 2.
Madison Gaines took the pitching loss. She allowed 9 runs on 7 hits with 2 walks. The Grenadiers outhit Alice Lloyd 15-4 in the win.
The hosts hurt themselves by committing 4 errors.
GAME 2
IUS – 11; Alice Lloyd – 3
ALC looked to come back from a big deficit in the bottom of the fifth inning, but fell short in the final game of the day.
IUS jumped out of the gates quickly. Two unforced errors by the home club led to a big 5 run opening at bat. After allowing 1 more run in the top of the second, Alice Lloyd sophomore pitcher Mercedez Gilliam tossed a scoreless third.
In the fourth, the visitors would use a triple and double to score 2 more runs, and lead 8-0.
One inning later, they would add 3 more scores on the strength of another triple and double.
Trailing 11-0. The Eagles responded with 3 runs. After loading the bases, their first run scored on a hit batter. Then, Alyssa Clark smashed a double up the gap to score two runs. Unfortunately, the rally ended when Alice Lloyd picked up the final out while hustling to plate another run.
For ALC, Clark played big,drilling a double and a single, and had 2 RBI’s to lead the way. Gilliam and senior Kelsey Dean each smacked singles for the home squad, but the Lady Eagles were unable to rally until their final at bat. Junior Samantha Sturgill added 1 RBI while both Dean and junior Madisson Minks had steals.
Pitcher Rebecca Scohening earned the victory among the three pitchers used by the Grenadiers. The staff combined to give up 4 hits while striking out 4 and walking 1.
Gilliam suffered the pitching loss. She allowed 9 runs on 14 hits with 1 walk and 3 strike outs. The Grenadiers outhit Alice Lloyd 14-4 in the win.