Huntingdon softball sweeps Spring Hill

MOBILE, Ala. – The Huntingdon softball team pulled out a pair of one-run wins to sweep Spring Hill on Tuesday.

The Lady Hawks scored in the top of the sixth to win the first game 2-1 and stopped the Badgers with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh to take the second game 2-1.

The win was the third straight one-run victory for Huntingdon (4-1).

"It seems like we're at our best when our backs are against the wall," Huntingdon head coach Gynger Williams said. "I haven't coached a team with this kind of determination in a long time. When we need a big play, the girls make something happen.

"Our defense was unbelievable today. This was probably the best defensive performance we've had since I've been at Huntingdon. Several of the girls, Aleah Payne, Jenna Rimensnyder, Jade Reynolds, Brittney Fox and others, made some huge plays at crucial times to keep them from scoring."

In Game 1, Brittany Richardson put Huntingdon on top in the first inning with a solo home run to center field. Spring Hill (2-2) tied the game in the fifth but the Lady Hawks had an answer. Payne led off the inning with a double and later stole third. Payne scored on a Rimensnyder bunt.

Richardson and Payne each finished the game 2-for-3 and finished the day 3-for-6.

In Game 2, Huntingdon scored both runs in the first two innings. Richardson scored on a wild pitch in the first inning to make it 1-0. After the Badgers tied the game in the bottom of the first, Rimensnyder scored on a throwing error in the second.

Huntingdon made the lead stand with several key defensive plays. The Lady Hawks got a third out on a play at the plate in the third inning and forced a pop out to second with the bases loaded to end the game in the bottom of the seventh.

Bree Giordana (3-1) picked up the win in Game 1, striking out four, walking three, hitting one batter, scattering five hits and surrendering one unearned run in seven innings.

Freshman Anna Stephens (1-0) got the win in Game 2 and Melissa McClure forced the final out to pick up the save. Stephens pitched 6 2/3 innings, striking out one, walking three, hitting one batter, allowing five hits and one earned run.

"All three pitchers did a good job today," Williams said. "Bree handled the first game well. Anna came in and did good job in her first varsity start and Melissa helped us get the final out. Anna only had one strikeout, but this was a good debut for her. She had a big game and this should build her confidence."

Huntingdon travels to Emory this weekend to play in the Emory Invitational. Huntingdon and Emory play at 11 a.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. In between, Huntingdon will play Transylvania at 1 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. on Sunday.