The Delta State University softball team split a Gulf South Conference doubleheader with Lee on Friday at Butler Field in Cleveland, Tennessee. The Lady Statesmen (13-36, 7-25 GSC) won the first game 4-3 before falling 8-0 in five innings in the nightcap.
In the opener, Delta State scored first with a run in the bottom of the first inning. Joryie McKnight led off with a bunt single, stole second, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Carly Dunigan. Lee responded with two unearned runs in the third and a solo home run from Addi Lewis in the fourth to take a 3-1 lead.
The Lady Statesmen rallied in the fifth inning, taking advantage of defensive miscues. Laney Daigrepont and Maya Mills each singled, and Maeve Lavoy reached on an error that allowed a run to score. Mills later scored to tie the game at 3-3. Delta State regained the lead in the sixth when Mary Teague singled and scored on an RBI single from Daigrepont. Maeve Lavoy pitched a complete game, allowing four hits and one earned run, striking out three to earn the win.
In the second game, Lee scored early and often, defeating Delta State 8-0 in five innings. Madison Pinzon hit a two-run homer in the second inning, and added a three-run shot in the fifth, finishing with five RBIs. Lee also scored two runs in the fourth on an error by Delta State.
The Lady Statesmen managed just four hits in the game, with Maya Mills collecting two. Kendal Moore took the loss, allowing four runs over four innings. Ellie Cox surrendered four runs in relief. Lee’s Kaylee Underwood pitched a complete-game shutout, allowing four hits.
Delta State will attempt to secure a series win Saturday with the rubber match scheduled for 1 p.m. CT/2 p.m. ET.
