NEED TO KNOW:
Game 1 Score: Piedmont 6, LaGrange 3
Game 2 Score: Piedmont 10, LaGrange 7
Records: Piedmont, 7-2 (2-0 USA South); LaGrange, 0-4 (0-2 USA South)
 
DEMOREST, Ga. – The Piedmont College softball team opened up conference play and swept a Thursday afternoon doubleheader against LaGrange at the Walker Athletic Complex.
 
The Lady Lions (7-2, 2-0 USA South) jumped out to a big lead and held on for a 6-3 win in game one. Then, in game two, PC overcame a 5-1 third-inning deficit and held on late to win, 10-7.
 
Game 1: Piedmont 6, LaGrange 3
 
The Lady Lions struck first in game one, as REBEKAH STEGMAYER singled leading off the first inning, stole second, took third on a passed ball and finally touched the plate on an RBI groundout from MARIANN KENNISON.
 
In the third inning, Piedmont extended its lead to 4-0 by taking advantage of an error and a walk to take a commanding lead.
 
Then, PC added two more in the fourth as TK SAULS and Stegmayer scored on a Panthers (0-4, 0-2 USA South) wild pitch.
 
Leading 6-0 and cruising into the fifth, Piedmont starting pitcher MELISSA ECKMAN was tagged for three runs by LaGrange. However, KORY BEST came on and stranded two runners in the fifth and followed it up with two scoreless innings to earn her first save of the season.
 
Game 2: Piedmont 10, LaGrange 7
 
Facing a 5-1 deficit heading to the bottom of the third in game two, the Lady Lions' offense erupted for five runs in the third inning, followed by three more in the fourth and another in the fifth to take a 10-5 lead.
 
Piedmont's four-run deficit was its largest of the season, but the Lady Lions sent 11 batters to the plate during the bottom of the third inning, taking a 6-5 lead it never relinquished.
 
Stegmayer's second walk of the frame was her first career RBI and ended up being the game-winner.
 
In the bottom of the fith, KATLYN ANDRIN sent home two more runs on a sharp single up the middle for her first career RBI's before MADDY HOLLOWAY scored PC's ninth run on a pop-out by DREW GRAHAM.

After Piedmont starter MADISON WHITESIDE was lifted in the bottom of the fourth, Best put out the fire once again, throwing four innings of four-hit, two-run ball to close out the win for the Lady Lions.
 
Up next, Piedmont will travel to Birmingham-Southern for a doubleheader, starting at 2 p.m. next Tuesday, March 12.
 
TURNING POINT:
- In game one, Best entered in the top of the fifth and extinguished a LaGrange rally, helping the Lady Lions emerge with a 6-3 win.
- In game two, the Lady Lions were trailing, 5-1, heading to the bottom of the third when they proceeded to send 11 hitters to the plate, plating five runs and taking  a lead that held the rest of the way.
 
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- KORY BEST pitched 6.2 innings over the two games, combining to allow just four hits and two runs. The senior right-hander closed out both three-run victories for the Lady Lions.
- Freshman leadoff hitter REBEKAH STEGMAYER combined to score five runs over the two games, drawing four walks and delivering her first career RBI as a Lady Lion.
 
NEWS AND NOTES:
- Piedmont swept the doubleheader despite being outhit in both games.
 
HOW TO FOLLOW:
- To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont College Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.