LOUISVILLE, KY. - The Spalding University softball team displayed incredible grit and speed yesterday at Legacy Fields, pulling off a thrilling doubleheader sweep of Hanover College.
Game 1: Spalding 7, Hanover 6
In the opener, the Golden Eagles secured a 7-6 victory, proving they are never out of a fight by overcoming a late deficit. Trailing 6-4 entering the bottom of the sixth inning,
Braeanna Billups and
Tatum Riddiough jumpstarted a rally with back-to-back singles.
Emma Eaton then delivered a clutch RBI double down the left-field line to cut the lead to one. With the pressure on,
Riley Beckmann provided the hit of the game—a two-out, two-RBI single to center field that drove in Eaton and Riddiough to give Spalding the lead. The defense sealed the win in the top of the seventh with a high-stakes play at the plate, executing a perfect 1b-to-c putout to catch Hanover's Niecy Reyna at home.
Tatum Riddiough earned the victory in relief, throwing three solid innings as the team improved their season record.
Game 2: Spalding 7, Hanover 4
The second game of the day saw Spalding complete the sweep with a 7-4 victory that served as a masterclass in aggressive baserunning and situational hitting. The Golden Eagles set the tone early in the first inning when
Riley Wilkins and
Makenna Roush executed a double steal, with Wilkins swiping home to put the team up 1-0. After Hanover surged ahead 4-1, Spalding began chipping away with runs in the fourth and fifth innings. The bottom of the sixth once again belonged to the Golden Eagles, as
Riley Beckmann tied the game with a bunt single before she and
Kaylee Fitzner pulled off a daring double steal to take the lead.
Riley Wilkins and
Braeanna Billups added insurance runs with RBI singles to cap the scoring.
Kaylee Fitzner pitched six innings to earn her third win of the year, and Riddiough returned to the circle in the seventh to earn her second save. The team finished with nine stolen bases in the contest, led by Wilkins' four steals.
Spalding Standouts (Doubleheader Totals):
Up Next:
Spalding looks to carry this momentum into today, April 9, as they host Franklin College for another home doubleheader starting at 3:00 PM ET.
