Softball Defeats Agnes Scott in CCS Tournament

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Huntingdon (30-8 overall, 13-3 CCS) defeated Agnes Scott (12-25 overall, 6-10 CCS) in the first game of the inaugural CCS Tournament, 11-3.

After multiple game time changes due to weather Crimson Wells stepped into the circle for the Hawks to begin the memorable first CCS Tournament game.

It was a quick three outs for the Scotties as the hosting Hawks took the plate. After three walked batters and two stolen bases from senior Natalie Ritchey (2^nd in DIII with 40 Stolen Bases on the season), the bases were loaded as Maddie Grace Hubbard stepped into the box. Hubbard reached on an error that advanced all runners and scored Ritchey on third (1-0). Designated player Dani Holt was up next, and her two-run single roared the Hawks fans for an early 3-0 lead. With two outs and the bases loaded, Elli Lorance took a pitch to get on and bring Hubbard across before the Scotties were able to get the final out of the first inning after changing pitchers (4-0).

With Wells still holding strong in the circle she gave her team another opportunity at the plate where they would score one more run in the bottom of the second sponsored by a Jordan Holman double (5-0).

In the third, Holly Sharp relieved Wells and in the fourth, the Scotties found three runs off four hits. Katelyn Holcombe ran in to close out the top of the inning.

Backed by an offensive spurt, the Hawks were able to cancel out the three runs put up by Agnes. After a single from Ritchey and double from Bailey Murphy, Holman knocked one to the right field deck for her 6^th homerun of the season (8-3).

Three quick outs from Holcombe in the top of the fifth left the fate of Huntingdon in their own hands, they had the chance to score three more runs to run-rule Agnes Scott and conclude the game; and that is exactly what they did. Ritchey gained her third hit and single of the game to get on and stole her third base of the night before Brooke Stefankiewicz advanced her to scoring position on a sacrifice bunt. Holman doubled to left field to send in Ritchey and Murphy who was walked as the Hawks searched for their final run. Freshman, Hubbard stepped to the plate to hit a single to center field that advanced Holman across home to claim the first CCS Tournament win.

Hawks Top Performers:

#16 Natalie Ritchey – 3-3, 4 Runs, 2B, 3 SB

#24 Jordan Holman – 3-3, 3 Runs, 5 RBIs, HR, 2 2B

#15 Maddie Grace Hubbard – 3-4, 1 Run, 2 RBIs

#17 Dani Holt – 2-3, 2 RBIs

Pitching:

#10 Crimson Wells – 2.0 IP, 4 BB

#33 Katelyn Holcombe – 1.1 IP, 1 Hit, K

The Hawks have advanced to the winner's bracket and will play #3 Maryville tomorrow at 12:00 PM CT. Stay up to date on the Conference Tournament Website at https://huntingdonhawks.com/sports/sball/tournament/2023CCSTourneyInfo