NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 3, Transylvania 1 (F/8)
Records: Piedmont, 30-10; Transylvania, 28-12
 
DEMOREST, Ga. – The Piedmont College softball team scored twice in the eighth inning to defeat Transylvania, 3-1, in its opening game of NCAA Regional play on Friday afternoon in Demorest.
 
MELISSA ECKMAN delivered her best pitching performance of the season for the Lady Lions (30-10), throwing all eight innings and recording a season-high seven strikeouts.
 
Matching up against HCAC Pitcher of the Year Kameron Bowling, both pitchers rolled through three innings without allowing a run.
 
However, the Pioneers (28-12) were able to strike first as Eckman's dominance was interrupted by a solo home run from Meg Liter to break the scoreless tie in the fourth inning.
 
Playing as the visitors as the No. 3 seed for the regional, Piedmont responded in the top of the fifth, tying the score on an infield single from REBEKAH STEGMAYER.
 
Both pitchers continued to excel, firing scoreless sixth and seventh innings.
 
That set the stage for Piedmont's two-run eighth, which started on MARIANN KENNISON's third hit of the day. One batter later, Kennison advanced to third base while HANNAH HOBAN stood at second after a throwing error from the Transylvania third baseman. Senior catcher ANNA LEE STONE then delivered the decisive hit, a line-drive two RBI double that brought home the eventual game-winning runs.
 
With a two-run cushion for the bottom of the eighth, Eckman slammed the door with a 1-2-3 frame to earn her 14th win of the season.
 
Up next, the Lady Lions will take on Emory, which defeated Emory & Henry, 7-3, in game two on Friday afternoon.
 
TURNING POINT:
- Hoban's ground ball to third base was fielded cleanly, but the attempt to force Kennison at second sailed wide, putting two Lady Lions in scoring position for ANNA LEE STONE to deliver the game-winning hit.
 
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- In her strongest pitching performance of the season, MELISSA ECKMAN shut down the Transy offense, firing eight innings, allowing just six hits and a single run with a season-high seven strikeouts.
- ANNA LEE STONE delivered the biggest hit of her Piedmont career, driving home the eventual game-winning runs with an RBI double in the top of the eighth.
 
DAY 2 SCHEDULE:
2 p.m. - Emory vs. Piedmont
4:30 p.m. - Transylvania vs. Emory & Henry
7 p.m. – Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 winner
 
HOW TO FOLLOW:
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