Dunavant's blast gives FHU midweek win

March 14, 2023

by Dustin Semore, FHU Sports Information Director

HENDERSON, Tenn. — After five and a half scoreless innings, Sophie Dunavant called "game" and launched a three-run homer in the bottom of the sixth as the No. 3 Lady Lions defeated Mount Mercy (Iowa) University 3-0.

Karli Quillin posted a one-out double to start off the Lady Lion (8-4, 2-1 MSC) half of the first inning, but a set of flyouts kept her stranded.

The MMU Mustangs (9-5, 0-0 Heart) had their first baserunners reach in the top of the third when a two-out walk was followed by a single, but a Brittany Adair strikeout ended the threat.

Kennedy Harris-Bennett led off the bottom of the sixth inning with a single to left, turning that single into a leadoff double by promptly swiping second base. Showing her patience in addition to her power, Myleah Hardy drew a one-out walk. Then with a 1-1 count, Dunavant (1) saved her best swing for last by powering a fastball over the left-field wall to plate herself, Harris-Bennett, and Natalie Gilmore - who was aboard pinch-running for Hardy - to give FHU the 3-0 win after Adair retired the Mustangs in the top of the seventh.

Brittany Adair (6-2) was on fire in the circle where the senior struck out 15 MMU Mustangs in the shutout, walking one and allowing two hits.

Neither team had great success hitting with just six combined base knocks. For FHU, Sophie Dunavant's homer was joined by hits from Brinley Cousar, Kennedy Harris-Bennett, and Karli Quillin.