CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — The (RV) Campbellsville University Lady Tigers hosted the (RV) Cumberland University Phoenix to finish out the three-game series this weekend, celebrating Senior Day at Hord Softball Field. Despite a looming weather threat and a late-game surge by the Phoenix, Campbellsville held firm to secure a 5-1 victory.
- The (RV) Campbellsville University Lady Tigers hosted the (RV) Cumberland University Phoenix for their Senior Day series finale, utilizing a complete-game performance in the circle to secure a 5-1 victory.
- To avoid impending inclement weather, the first pitch was moved up to 10 a.m., but the Lady Tigers remained unfazed by the schedule change.
- First baseman Jessie Daniels provided the biggest swing of the morning, launching a two-run home run to right-center in the third inning while adding eight putouts defensively.
- Senior pitcher Emma Markham was stellar in the circle, tossing a complete game and overcoming a seventh-inning downpour to strike out back-to-back batters to escape a bases-loaded jam and secure her ninth win of the season.
- Shortstop Korey Harris was a catalyst at the top of the lineup, scoring the game's opening run, recording an RBI bunt single, and stealing a base.
- The Lady Tigers will be back in action, traveling to battle the Lindsey Wilson College Blue Raiders on Friday, April 24, beginning at 4 p.m. ET.
With inclement weather forecast for heavy rain, the series finale was moved up to 10 a.m. ET first pitch. Cumberland threatened early in the first inning with a single through the right side, but Campbellsville's defense quickly put them away to switch sides. In the bottom of the first,
Korey Harris sparked the offense by drawing a leadoff walk.
Karleigh Walker quickly capitalized, ripping an RBI single to right-center to score Harris for the first run of the game.
The second inning was short-lived for both teams, as neither side was able to collect any hits or reach home.
After a quiet top of the third for Cumberland, the Lady Tigers extended their lead.
Lydia Jones sparked the rally with a single through the left side.
Jessie Daniels then stepped up to the plate and crushed a two-run home run to right-center, widening the Campbellsville advantage to 3-0.
The Phoenix scored their first and only run of the day with an RBI double to right-center by Sara Brogdon during the top of the fourth. However, Campbellsville immediately answered in the home half to regain control. After
Rylee Warner was hit by a pitch and
Hannah Hackworth singled,
Ashlan Estep executed a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners. Harris followed with a perfectly placed RBI bunt single to score Warner. During the ensuing sequence, Harris aggressively stole second base, allowing Hackworth to score on the throw to push the lead to 5-1.
The game saw slower offensive action throughout the fifth and sixth innings, with Campbellsville leaning on strong defense, highlighted by
Lydia Jones' four assists at second base and Daniels' eight putouts at first.
As the top of the seventh inning began, the anticipated rain finally came pouring down. Cumberland came into the final frame determined to catch up, loading the bases with two singles and a walk to bring the tying run to the plate. Unfazed by the downpour and a slippery softball, senior pitcher
Emma Markham displayed incredible composure, dialing in to strike out back-to-back Phoenix batters swinging. She then induced a game-ending flyout to center field to strand the bases loaded and finalize another Lady Tiger victory.
