NEED TO KNOW:
Game 1 Score: Piedmont 4, Asbury 3
Game 2 Score: Piedmont 6, Asbury 4
Records: Piedmont, 11-9 (2-0 CCS); Asbury, 7-5 (0-2 CCS)

DEMOREST, Ga. - Piedmont softball was able to overcome multi-run deficits in both games of a CCS doubleheader sweep against Asbury on a beautiful Friday afternoon in Demorest.

The Lions overcame a two-run early deficit in the first game before roaring back from down 4-0 in game two.

Game 1: Piedmont 4, Asbury 3

The Eagles jumped on the Lions in the early going of game one, scoring once in each of the first two innings against Megan Steinmeyer. However, the senior right-hander settled in strongly from there, allowing just one run and three hits the rest of the way.

Piedmont's offense was able to strike for a pair of runs in the third and fourth innings, which was enough for Steinmeyer to close the door and finish off her fifth win of the season.

Kennedy Votava's bunt single got the rally started in the third, as the senior used her speed to swipe second and third base, as her steal of third led to a throwing error and Piedmont's first run of the contest. The Lions were not done scoring, however, as Madi Cronic's two-out RBI single and an Asbury error led to Jasmine Lowery scoring the tying run.

The Lions continued to press the issue on offense, with a walk and then three straight singles bringing in the tying run. It was Heartly Nepveux who delivered the go-ahead RBI single, while Mandi Peretti drew a bases-loaded walk to bring in a very important insurance run.

Although Asbury's Maura Tinsely delivered a leadoff solo homer in the top of the sixth to cut Piedmont's lead to 4-3, Steinmeyer closed the door from there, stranding two in the sixth and then firing a 1-2-3 seventh to get the win.

Game 2: Piedmont 6, Asbury 4

Much like the first game, the Eagles had all the momentum early, scoring four times on seven base hits over the first three frames. However, right-hander Summer McCranie entered out of the bullpen and immediately struck out the first hitter she faced to strand a runner and get the Lions out of the third inning down only 4-0.

The offense then came to life in the fourth, with singles by Maddi Spieks, Steinmeyer and Madi Cronic leading to the team's first run. Kasey White then delivered a pinch-hit RBI fielder's choice to make it 4-2. That set the stage for Peretti with two outs and the bases loaded, as the freshman singled home White and Hannah Cintron to knot the score at 4-4.

Spieks then led off the fifth with another sharp single and advanced to third on a Steinmeyer double, her fourth hit of the day. With two in scoring position and nobody out, Cintron delivered a sacrifice fly for the go-ahead and eventual winning run before Alyssa Jarrett produced another run with another sac fly two batters later.

That was more than enough for McCranie, who was excellent in the circle, going 4.1 innings and allowing just two hits, no runs with one walk and a season-high four strikeouts.

Up next, the Lions will have over a week off from game action before hosting Agnes Scott next Saturday, March 15 at 12 & 2 p.m. with Senior Day festivities scheduled for in between the first and second game.

TURNING POINT:
- Piedmont overcame multi-run deficits to win both games, including coming back from down 4-0 after the third inning in game two.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- McCranie delivered season highs in innings pitched (4.1) and strikeouts (4) while not allowing a run in game two.
- Steinmeyer was excellent in the circle in game one, delivering a complete game and earning the win. She also delivered offensively, with a pair of hits in both games.
- Spieks returned to the lineup in game two, and recorded two hits from the No. 3 spot in the order.

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.