NEED TO KNOW:
Game 1 Score: Piedmont 3, Pfeiffer 2
Game 2 Score: Pfeiffer 9, Piedmont 0
Records: Piedmont, 1-3; Pfeiffer, 1-1

DEMOREST, Ga. - Piedmont softball earned a split against Pfeiffer in their home opener with help from Jacy Vickery and late-inning theatrics.

Piedmont grinded out in game one and came through with a victory while Vickery pitched a gem.

Game 1: Piedmont 3, Pfeiffer 2

The Falcons would find their way onto the board in the top of the first as they looked to set the tone, but while Pfeiffer had the first words, Jacy Vickery had the last laugh in the inning as she set aside the early Falcon rally, giving her team a chance at the bat rack. 

On the other end of this soon-to-be pitcher's duel was Mollie Bulla, who set down the Lions in order to start her afternoon.

It would be more of the same for both sides as both offenses struggled to find a foothold. Jacy Vickery for the Lions introduced herself at home with a fantastic day in the circle as she kept the Falcons off balance leading up to the top of the fourth. Pfeiffer would have traffic against Vickery in the inning, leading to another run coming across, giving Pfeiffer a 2-0 lead. Vickery would pick up a pair of strikeouts in the inning as she escaped, allowing just one run. 

The Lions would be unable to answer back in the bottom half, keeping the Falcons ahead.

Vickery would shut down the opposition's lineup once again in the fifth, giving another chance to the offense, this time in the fifth.

Hannah Cintron got the inning started in style with a triple, giving the Lions the advantage in the bottom half. Bailee Davis would try a bunt to bring home Cintron but settled for a single, putting runners at the corners with one away. Davis would go for a steal of second base to bait the Falcons into a rundown, and Pfeiffer would bite, and while they looked for the out on Davis, Cintron stole home, getting the Lions on the board. That would be all the scoring the Lions had in the bottom of the inning.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Lions would find their big rally, as with two outs and a runner on, Alyssa Jarrett would float a ball down the right-field line. The right fielder had a diving try, but as the ball deflected off her glove, Addy Perkins would come around to score, tying the game, and Jarrett would find herself on third base with a triple. With the game tied, Hannah Cintron stood in and delivered the big hit the Lions were searching for and brought home Jarrett, giving the Lions their first lead of the afternoon.

In the top of the seventh, Jacy Vickery took to the circle one last time and, despite some traffic, finished the game with a 6-3 putout.

Game 2: Pfeiffer 9, Piedmont 0

The Falcons would strike early once again as they brought home a runner, giving them a lead they would not relinquish.

Pfeiffer would add on in the second before setting up a seven-run third inning, putting the Lions far behind in game two.

Piedmont's offense would go quiet for the remainder of the evening as the Falcons picked up a 9-0 win in five innings. 

Piedmont will be back in action tomorrow against Pfeiffer at The Walker Athletic Complex, with the first pitch set for 12:00 p.m.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:

- Jacy Vickery twirled a complete game gem in game one picking up four strikeouts along the way.
- Hannah Cintron came across to score the Lions' first run in game one and singled home the eventual game winner in the same game.

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 X @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and Facebook.