Lady Lions use big fourth inning to beat FireHawks

April 1, 2023

by Dustin Semore, FHU Sports Information Director

PULASKI, Tenn. — The No. 14 Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions traveled to the University of Tennessee Southern to take on the FireHawks in a three-game series. Chloe Winters shut down the hosts by hurling a one-hit shutout with the bats helping to a 7-0 win in game one.

Kennedy Harris-Bennett got things started for the Lady Lions (13-6, 6-3 MSC) with a roundabout two-bagger. The right fielder drew a leadoff walk before swiping second base. After a passed ball moved her to third, Sophie Dunavant's groundout drove Harris-Bennett home to give FHU a 1-0 lead.

The UTS (10-16, 2-11 MSC) pitching kept the FHU bats quiet for the bottom of the order until Myleah Hardy (6) led off the fourth inning with a solo homer to left field. Catherine Crabb sent a double to right field before scoring on Kiersten Mesler's groundout. On base thanks to a UTS error, Cassie Hayes would score an unearned run with Brinley Cousar's infield single to put FHU ahead 4-0. Not finished with the fourth inning, Harris-Bennett placed a single into center field to score both Cousar and Anna Kate Norton, who reached earlier with a walk. The five-run fourth inning put FHU on top 6-0.

Adding insurance in the seventh inning, Hardy continued to produce runs for the Lady Lions by doubling home Karli Quillin to settle the score at 7-0.

Chloe Winters (5-2) took a no-hitter into the sixth inning. The junior struck out nine FireHawks while issuing just one walk.

Kennedy Harris-Bennett and Myleah Hardy were the top run producers, driving in two runs each. Hardy had the only multi-hit game with her two hits backed up by base knocks from seven other Lady Lions