NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 5, Maryville 3
Records: Piedmont, 26-7 (14-2 USA South); Maryville, 23-9, 15-1 USA South)
 
MARYVILLE, Tenn. – The Piedmont College softball team scored four runs over its final two innings to rally past Maryville for a 5-3 road win on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Lady Lions (26-7, 14-2 USA South) found themselves trailing, 3-1, heading to the top of the sixth, where they scored three times to take a one-run lead. PC then added an insurance run in the seventh to take a two-run lead, which held the rest of the way.
 
For the second consecutive day, Piedmont struck for an early run, as REBEKAH STEGMAYER came in to score on a wild pitch for a 1-0 lead.
 
The Scots (23-8, 15-1 USA South) answered back to tie the score at 1-1 on a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth.
 
Mayrville took the lead with a two-run bottom of the fifth to chase Piedmont starter MELISSA ECKMAN from the contest.
 
Then, with just six outs remaining, the Lady Lions started a rally in the top of the sixth when HANNAH HOBAN reached leading off the inning on a Maryville error. Singles by KAYLEE WHITE and TAYLOR BROWN followed to load the bases.
 
Two batters later, a KATLYN ANDRIN sacrifice fly brough the Lady Lions within a run. That set the stage for pinch-hitter RACHEL OBERHOLTZER to deliver the go-ahead two-run single to cap the three-run frame.
 
Already leading by a run in the top of the seventh, Hoban crushed a solo shot to left field to give Piedmont a two-run edge.
 
After KORY BEST retired the first two batters in the top of the seventh, she was lifted for MADISON WHITESIDE after issuing a two-out walk, Whiteside delivered with the tying run at the plate, inducing a game-ending groundout to give Piedmont the win.
 
TURNING POINT:
- The Lady Lions scored three runs on three hits and a Maryville error to turn a two-run deficit into a one-run lead in the sixth inning.
 
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- HANNAH HOBAN's solo shot in the top of the seventh was her team-leading ninth of the season. Her nine home runs this year breaks her own single season record, set as a freshman in 2016.
- Piedmont got strong performances from all three pitchers on Saturday. MELISSA ECKMAN started and threw 4.1 innings, allowing just three runs with five strikeouts. KORY BEST got the win to improve to 5-0 on the campaign, pitching 2.1 shutout innings. Finally, MADISON WHITESIDE recorded the final out to earn her second save.
 
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.