NEED TO KNOW:
Game 1 Score: Piedmont 10, Mt. St. Joseph 4
Game 2 Score: Piedmont 7, Cal Lutheran 9
Records: Piedmont, 2-2; Mt. St. Joseph, 2-2; Cal Lutheran, 2-2

DEMOREST, Ga. - The Piedmont University softball program split their Sunday doubleheader action against Cal Lutheran and Mount St. Joseph. Flipping the script from yesterday, the Lions got their revenge against MSJ, taking the contest 10-4. However, the Regals of Cal Lutheran managed to hold off a late Piedmont comeback and split the series 1-1.

GAME 1 - Piedmont 10, Mt. St. Joseph 4

Piedmont brought the offense early in Game 1, generating four runs in the first three innings. Freshman Maddi Spieks started the bottom of the first with a double before scoring on a Kara Taylor triple. In the second, Jasmine Lowery singled to start off the inning and scored later in the frame on a MSJ throwing error. The Lions added two runs in the inning, both of which were unearned.

The Lions of Mount St. Joseph battled to keep the contest close, scrapping for two runs off of Piedmont starter Riley Ford. 

With a 5-2 Piedmont lead headed into the sixth, the visiting Lions once again made things interesting. An early walk laid the foundation for a two-out double off Ford to cut the lead to just two. In the bottom half of the inning however, Piedmont's offense rallied for a big inning. Plating five runs off five hits, the home-standing Lions had a chance to walk the game off via run-rule but left the would-be game-winner stranded at third.

Ford allowed one more run in the last frame for MSJ before closing out the complete game.

GAME 2 - Piedmont 7, Cal Lutheran 9

In Piedmont's second game of the day, the Lions attempted a late rally in the final innings but came up just short against Cal Lutheran. The contest remained competitive for the majority of the action but a rough sixth inning for Piedmont forced the Lions to attempt to score six runs with just six outs to work with.

It was Regals that opened the scoring in the top of the first, capitalizing on a pair of Piedmont mistakes. Piedmont responded in the bottom of the third, plating two runs in the inning. Kaitlin Isley reached on a fielder's choice before stealing second to move into scoring position. Directly after stealing, Megan Steinmeyer singled home Isley. Steinmeyer scored on the next at-bat as Jasmine Lowery launched a double to center field. 

Cal Lutheran leveled the contest in the top of the fourth before retaking the lead in the fifth. Once again, Piedmont fought to reel the contest back in, cutting the lead to just one headed into the last two frames. However, a tough stretch in the top of the sixth inning left the Lions trailing by six. 

Piedmont refused to go quietly, answering with a trio of runs in the bottom half of the frame. Down to their final three outs, Piedmont pulled within two and had the game tying run in scoring position but was unable to send the game to extras.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
-- Riley Ford again proved to be outstanding, tossing 8 innings on the day while allowing just 4 earned runs and 6 hits.
-- Kara Taylor led all Lions with 6 hits across two games.
-- Jasmine Lowery lead Piedmont with 4 RBIs on the day.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
-- Piedmont posted 14 hits in Game 1.
-- The Lions pitching staff allowed just 6 hits in both contests on the day.
-- Piedmont outhit Cal Lutheran in Game 2 12-6 despite losing the contest.
-- Six different Lions posted multi-hit games, with Kara Taylor and Jasmine Lowery having back-to-back multi-hit games.

UP NEXT:
--Piedmont will have about a week before hosting Pfeiffer University for DH on Saturday, February 24 that is set to start at noon.  

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.