Jefferson City, TN - The Lions softball team traveled to Carson-Newman University to open their 2023 season on the road.

Game 1 recap: Carson-Newman won 8-5

Late Score Costs Emmanuel College Lions Against Carson-Newman University. Emmanuel College Lions stayed in it until the end, but Carson-Newman University pulled away late in an 8-5 victory on Saturday. The game was tied at five with Carson-Newman University batting in the bottom of the fifth when an error scored one run for Carson-Newman University. Carson-Newman University got on the board in the first inning.  Macey Hughes drove in one when Hughes singled. Syerra Rodgers pitched Carson-Newman University to victory. The righty went two and a third innings, allowing zero runs on three hits, striking out two and walking zero. Macy Kelley took the loss for Emmanuel College Lions. The righty went four and two-thirds innings, allowing four runs on seven hits, striking out four and walking one. Rylee Gattis started the game for Carson-Newman University. The pitcher surrendered five runs on four hits over four and two-thirds innings, striking out five Dani Fairey started the game for Emmanuel College Lions. The pitcher allowed two hits and three runs over one-third of an inning, walking zero. Jaryn Gibson led Emmanuel College Lions with two hits in four at bats. Carson-Newman University tallied 11 hits.  Sieanna Cameron and Hughes each managed multiple hits for Carson-Newman University. Carson-Newman University was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Macauley Bailey had the most chances in the field with six.

Game 2 recap: Carson-Newman won 7-6

In Walk-Off, Emmanuel College Lions Varsity Loses To Carson-Newman University. A walk-off left Emmanuel College Lions Varsity on the wrong end of a 7-6 defeat to Carson-Newman University on Saturday. Carson-Newman University was down 6-4 in the bottom of the sixth inning when Macauley Bailey doubled on a 2-2 count, scoring three runs. Emmanuel College Lions collected 11 hits and Carson-Newman University had seven in the high-scoring affair. Emmanuel College Lions got things moving in the first inning, when Jaryn Gibson doubled on a 0-1 count, scoring two runs. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Carson-Newman University tied things up at four. An error scored one run for Carson-Newman University.Riley Sikes led things off in the  circle for Carson-Newman University. The righthander allowed eight hits and four runs over two and a third innings, striking out one and walking zero. Kaitlyn Pickens toed the rubber for Emmanuel College Lions. The pitcher went six innings, allowing seven runs on seven hits and striking out eight. Emmanuel College Lions collected 11 hits.  Abu Curry, Kyna Cheney, and Gibson all collected multiple hits for the Lions.  Gibson, Cheney, and Curry each collected two hits to lead Emmanuel College Lions. Carson-Newman University tallied seven hits in the game.  Sieanna Cameron and Mary Vandergriff each collected multiple hits for Carson-Newman University. Carson-Newman University was sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Hayden Dye made the most plays with five.

The Lions will travel to Georgia College to face off agaisnt the Bobcats on Tuesday, February 7th. First pitch is set for 4:00pm.