MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Faulkner University swept a Southern States Athletic Conference opening doubleheader from Blue Mountain Christian on Saturday, beating the Toppers 2-0 and 12-2 to open league play, Blue Mountain Christian reported.
In the first game Faulkner won a pitching duel, 2-0. Blue Mountain Christian managed three hits, led by Anna Harrison, who went 2-for-3 with a double, and Neely Barrier, who added a double. Madison Montgomery threw a complete six innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits as the Eagles scored in the fourth and added a solo home run in the fifth.
Faulkner broke the second game open early and ended it by the mercy rule, winning 12-2 in five innings. The Eagles scored four runs in the second, three in the third and five in the fourth. Blue Mountain Christian collected two runs, including an RBI double by Mikaylah Fuqua. Aspen Teague recorded a hit and Laklyn Nichols scored; the Toppers finished with four hits.
Defensively, Blue Mountain Christian was charged with six errors in the nightcap, which extended innings and produced additional opportunities for Faulkner. Neely Cooper started on the mound for the Toppers and recorded four strikeouts; Jana Shaw worked in relief.
Faulkner is scheduled to play at Freed-Hardeman on March 17 at 3 p.m. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
