Photo by Johnny Estes
Photo by Johnny Estes

Lady Lions capitalize on errors to sweep Mustangs

March 14, 2023

by Dustin Semore, FHU Sports Information Director

 

HENDERSON, Tenn. — The No. 3 Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions continue to show their pitching prowess, shutting out their fourth straight opponent and allowing one run in the last six games. FHU topped the Mount Mercy (Iowa) University Mustangs 3-0 for the day's second shutout.

The Lady Lions (9-4, 2-1 MSC) thought they had seen the second out recorded by way of a strikeout; however, a passed ball allowed Karli Quillin to reach first base safely. Continuing her run production, Sophie Dunavant dropped a single deep enough to allow the speedy Quillin to wrap the bases and score the unearned run safely.

Anna Kate Norton led off the bottom of the second with a walk, followed by a single from Cassie Hayes. Norton and Hayes would both advance on a double steal before a Mount Mercy (9-6, 0-0 Heart) not only allowed Kennedy Harris-Bennett to reach safely but allowed Norton to tap home to give the Lady Lions a 2-0 lead.

FHU would load the bases in the bottom of the fourth inning before the Mustang pitcher settled down and coaxed a groundout to leave three Lady Lions Stranded. FHU would score in the bottom of the sixth inning when Brooklyn Jimmerson found herself on third after a leadoff walk, a sacrifice bunt from Madelyn Crabb, and a single from Harris-Bennett. A wild pitch provided an open lane for Jimmerson to come the final 60 feet and settle the score on a 3-0 Lady Lion win.

Chloe Winters (3-2) was three outs away from her second consecutive no-hitter, with a single to lead off the top of the seventh breaking up the no-no. A six-strikeout, one-walk one-hitter was still impressive for Winters who recorded her third straight victory.

The Lady Lion bats were a little more awake in game two with Kennedy Harris-Bennett and Cassie Hayes leading the FHU offense with two hits each. Sophie Dunavant and Karli Quillin recorded the other two base knocks for the maroon and white.


Up Next

Freed-Hardeman returns to Mid-South Conference action with a trip to Williamsburg, Kentucky, where the No. 13 University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) Patriots await a three-game set on Friday and Saturday, March 17-18.