Early firepower dismantles Blue Raiders

April 16, 2023

by Dustin Semore, FHU Sports Information Director

COLUMBIA, Ky. — The No. 14 Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions struck early, struck hard, and struck often as an eight-run first inning precluded a 12-0 victory over the Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College Blue Raiders in five innings.

Kennedy Harris-Bennett led off the game for the Lady Lions (20-7, 13-4 MSC) with one of her patented "Kennedy Doubles" where she reached first - this time by way of being hit by a pitch - before stealing second. Karli Quillin intended to play small ball and bunt Harris-Bennett to third, but both players reached safely to have runners on the corners. The FHU speed was on display as a double steal placed Quillin on second and saw Harris-Bennett score the first run. After Myleah Hardy singled, Catherine Crabb continued to have a hot bat, doubling home both Quillin and Hardy to put FHU on top 3-0. The doubles party continued for the Lady Lions with Cassie Hayes plating Crabb with a double and Anna Kate Norton following with a two-batter. Kiersten Mesler laid down a bunt, reaching safely and scoring Hayes. 

Batting around in the top of the first inning, Harris-Bennett launched a two-run double to left-center to score both Norton and Mesler. An errant play by the Blue Raider (16-19, 8-9 MSC) defense allowed Harris-Bennett to score an unearned run before LWC finally put an end to the barrage of an eight-run first inning.

Hayes led off the top of the second with a walk before advancing to third thanks to Norton's second double of the day. A set of groundouts would plate Hayes and Norton to give the Lady Lions a 10-0 edge.

A pair of solo home runs finished the FHU scoring with Hardy tallying her team-high eighth long ball in the top of the third inning, with Hayes following in the top of the fourth with her year's third to give FHU their final lead of 12-0.

In the circle, Chloe Winters (8-2) kept the Lady Lions off of the field by burning through the Blue Raider order. Winters notched five punchouts while allowing one walk and three hits in the shutout.

Myleah Hardy, Cassie Hayes, and Anna Kate Norton paced FHU's offense with two hits each. Plenty of FHU bats drove in multiple runs with Catherine Crabb, Kennedy Harris-Bennett, and Kiersten Mesler joining Hardy and Hayes with two RBI.

Up Next

The Lady Lions are back on the road where they celebrate the series sweep by immediately facing the Bears of Shawnee State (Ohio) University. Monday, April 17 features a doubleheader beginning at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. with the series finale beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18.