HATTIESBURG, Miss. — William Carey’s softball team split a doubleheader Saturday against UT Southern, winning 2-1 in nine innings in the opener before dropping the second game 6-5.
In the first game, both teams struggled offensively through the first three innings. UT Southern took a 1-0 lead in the fourth, when Emory Hall drew a leadoff walk and scored on a sacrifice fly by Alaina Grace King. The Lady Crusaders responded in the seventh when Ryanne Hornsby singled to drive in pinch runner Kinley Hogue, tying the game and forcing extra innings.
Carey scored the game-winner in the ninth. Hogue singled and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt, then scored on a groundout by Harper Dupre. Jayden Sawyer pitched all nine innings for the win, allowing one run on three hits with 12 strikeouts.
The second game was more offensive, with both teams combining for 11 runs on 15 hits. Carey jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, highlighted by a two-run single from Dupre. UT Southern responded quickly, taking the lead with a three-run homer by Mikayla McCain in the third inning. The Firehawks added three more runs in the third to go ahead 6-4, including McCain’s homer.
Carey attempted a rally in the fifth, scoring once on a wild pitch and putting runners on second and first. However, they could not capitalize further, and UT Southern held on for the 6-5 victory. Carey is scheduled to host Mobile in SSAC play Friday at Joseph & Nancy Fail Field, with first pitch set for 4 p.m.
