NEED TO KNOW:
Game 1 Score: Piedmont 1, Pacific Lutheran 0
Game 2 Score: Piedmont 9, Pacific Lutheran 7
Records: Piedmont 2-0 ; Pacific Lutheran 5-3

DEMOREST, Ga. - The Piedmont University softball team began the 2023 campaign with a statement doubleheader sweep over Pacific Lutheran. Both contests were extremely tight but the Lady Lions were able to come away victorious both times.

Piedmont downed the Lutes in game one on the back of a brilliant start from EMMA MCBRAYER then battled adversity in game 2 after 7-2 lead diminished, only to come back and retake the lead in the bottom of the 6th.

Game 1 – Piedmont 1, Pacific Lutheran 0

It was a battle of the best on the mound as EMMA MCBRAYER went toe-to-toe with her foes from Pacific Lutheran. The Lutes rallied for a pair of hits early but were unable to capitalize. They would then go hitless for three straight innings. 

On the Lady Lions side, Piedmont would strand three before manufacturing the only run of the contest. KAITLIN ISLEY started the bottom of the third with a single and would then advance to 2nd after a miscue from the Lutes catcher on an attempted back pick. Isley took full advantage of the situation, stealing third next before scoring on a wild pitch. 

With the lead, McBrayer went back to work, surrendering just four more hits on the day. Her team would back her up in the field as well with multiple standout defensive plays from Isley. 

Game 2 – Piedmont 9, Pacific Lutheran 7

Both offenses came to life in game number two, with Piedmont getting things started early.

In the bottom of the 1st, KAITLIN ISLEY and KARA TAYLOR led off the inning with back-to-back singles, though Isley was caught stealing shortly after. McBrayer followed with a single to center field and then an ensuing error by the center fielder allowed Taylor to score and McBrayer to reach third. LYNDZI PARTLOW grounded out to third but would receive the RBI as McBrayer would safely score on the play.

Pacific Lutheran quickly responded in the top of the 2nd as a two run blast would level the scoreline. However, following the homerun, starter RILEY FORD went 1-2-3 to end the inning and gave up just one hit over the next two innings.

Partlow grabbed her second RBI of the game in the third with a SAC fly to center field, scoring pinch runner HANNAH CALLAWAY. 

Another crooked number from the Lady Lions in the 4th inning blew the game open. A single from HEARTLY NEPVEUX, combined with back-to-back bunt singles by MACIE ALLEN and KENNEDY VOTAVA, loaded the bases. Isley then walked forcing home one run and KARA TAYLOR singled to left field, scoring two. Taylor would be tagged out in a rundown but the chaos allowed a second run to cross the plate. 

Pacific Lutheran refused to go quietly as they struck back immediately in the following inning, scoring three runs. Piedmont once again turned to McBrayer but before she could escape the inning the Lutes moved the scoreline to 7-5.

In the 6th, Pacific Lutheran once again jumped on McBrayer, tagging her for two more runs and tying the contest.

With the lead gone and the scoreline level at 7-7, the Lady Lions offense went straight back to work in the bottom half of the 6th. Pinch hitter NATALIE HANSON doubled to right and advanced to third on a bunt hit. Isley flew out to centerfield for an RBI SAC fly as Hanson scored and moved Piemdont back in front. To add insurance, Taylor doubled directly after, putting the team up by two.

The Lutes had no answer for the Lady Lions' heroics and went quietly in the 7th inning, capping off a stellar start for Piedmont on opening day. 

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- EMMA MCBRAYER gave up no runs in a complete game performance in game one of the day while going 2-for-3 from the plate. 
- KAITLIN ISLEY had a brilliant day defensively at third base as well as going 3-for-5 at the dish.
- KARA TAYLOR went 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs in game two.

UP NEXT:
- The Lady Lions hit the road heading to Emmanuel for a double header on Thursday, February 23rd with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m.

HOW TO FOLLOW:
- To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont University 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.