Softball picks up first conference sweep of the season

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Huntingdon softball team picked up its first conference wins of the season with a 6-1 and 9-0 sweep of Mary Baldwin College on Sunday. The second game was shortened to five innings.

Huntingdon (5-9, 2-4 USA South) took control early in both games. The Lady Hawks scored six runs in the first two innings of Game 1 and seven runs in the first two innings of Game 2.

Center fielder Daisha Henderson led Huntingdon at the plate, finishing 5-for-7 with five runs and three stolen bases in the doubleheader. Henderson was 2-for-4 with two runs in Game 1 and 3-for-3 with three runs in Game 2.

In Game 1, third baseman Tiffany Taylor was 2-for-3 and shortstop Gabby Alcantar scored two runs. First baseman Heather McGuirk had a RBI and a run and pitcher Katy Messick and second baseman Blake Rowland each had a RBI. Right fielder Ashley Johnson scored one run.

Messick (3-4) earned the win in 4 2/3 innings. The senior struck out five, walked one and allowed one run while holding the Fighting Squirrels hitless. Anna Stephens pitched the final 2 1/3 innings, striking out one, walking two and allowing two hits.

In Game 2, catcher Jesse Dunn hit a three-run double in the first inning to help set the tone. McGuirk and Johnson each had a RBI and a run and Taylor scored two runs. Pitcher Raina Lanier drove in one run and Alcantar and first baseman Morgan Goshorn each scored one run.

Freshman pitchers Lindsey Selph and Lanier combined on a no-hitter. Selph (1-2) earned her first collegiate win, striking out three and walking one in three innings. Lanier struck out three and walked two in two innings of relief.

Huntingdon returns to action on Monday morning. The Lady Hawks host Ferrum in a conference doubleheader at 10 a.m.