NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Belhaven 10, Piedmont 8
Records: Piedmont, 26-16; Belhaven, 34-9
OXFORD, Ala. - Piedmont softball saw its CCS Tournament run come to an end on Friday afternoon in a high-scoring 10-8 loss to Belhaven.
Despite falling behind early, the Lions made a valiant attempt at a late comeback, scoring three times in each of the final two frames. However, the seventh inning rally came up just short as the Blazers eked out the victory.
Both offenses were lively throughout the game, with the teams combining for 26 hits (Belhaven 15, Piedmont 11). The Blazers scored in every inning except the third, while the Lions scored multiple times in three separate innings.
The freshmen led the way for Piedmiont, with
Anslee Saunchegraw and
Ellie Lenz each recording multi-hit games, highlighted by a four RBI game from Lenz.
The first inning was eventful on both sides, as Belhaven struck for a pair of runs in the top of the first, but the Lions answered back immediately, with Lenz driving home a pair on a single.
The middle innings belonged to the Blazers, who scored a run in the second before adding two more in each of the fourth and fifth innings to extend their lead and grab control of the contest.
After the Blazers tacked on two more runs in the sixth on a two-run home run, the score had moved to 9-2.
From there, the Lions saw their offense come to life. Piedmont scored two runs on wild pitches before
Brianna Logue delivered a pinch-hit RBI single to bring the deficit to 9-5.
While Belhaven added another critical insurance run in the top of the seventh, Piedmont had one more rally in store. With the top of the order due up in the seventh, the Lions went to work.
Mandi Peretti and Saunchegraw led off with singles and Lenz delivered her second two RBI single of the day, bringing Piedmont's deficit to 10-7. The next three hitters in the lineup also reached base, highlighted by an RBI single for
Hannah Durham to cut the deficit to two.
Unfortunately, with the bases loaded and one out, a line out double play ended the rally and the game.
The loss ends Piedmont's season with a 26-16 record. The team's 26 victories mark the most since a 31-win season in 2022.
TURNING POINT:
- With the bases loaded and the winning run on first base in the seventh inning, a line out double play ended Piedmont's furious seventh inning rally.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Saunchegraw and Lenz capped outstanding freshman seasons with each delivering two-hit performances on Friday.
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.
