Franklin Springs, Ga – The Emmanuel Softball team hosted Lander University today in regional play. The Bearcats got off to a strong start in game one allowing just one run to win, 7-1. In game two, the Lions edged the Bearcats, 7-5 to split the series. The Lions now sit at 27-22 on the season. 
 
GAME ONE – 
 
Lander got off to a strong start in game one. In the top of the first, the Bearcats scored a run on one hit to take a 1-0 lead early. 
 
In the top of the 2^nd, the Bearcats scored 4 runs on 3 hits and an error to make the score 5-0. 
 
The Lions got a run back in the bottom of the fourth with a homerun to left field by Alyssa Adams, cutting the Bearcats lead to 5-1. 
 
In the top of the 6^th, Lander scored 2 runs on 2 hits to make the score 7-1, which would be the final. 
 
At the plate, the home-run by Adams was the highlight as Lander allowed just two hits. 
 
On the mound, Haley Mullins got the start, going 1.1 inning. She gave up 5 runs on 3 hits, walking 3 batters. Isabel Harrison came in next, pitching 4 innings. She gave up 2 runs on 6 hits, striking out 2 batters and walking one. Maddie Edwards closed out the game for the Lions, throwing an inning and giving up four hits. She struck out one batter and walked another. 
 
GAME TWO – 
 
The Lions got on the board first in game two. Kelley Feigen got things started with a home-run to center to give the Lions a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 2^nd. 
 
In the bottom of the 3^rd, the Lions continued to pour on the runs. Ellee Varner singled to shortstop, and Lexi Jordan followed that up with a single to second. Alyssa Adams loaded the bases with a single to short, and Jaryn Gibson cleared the bases with a grandslam to give the Lions a 5-0 lead. 
 
The Lions added a run to their lead in the bottom of the 4^th. Gabby Buffington started the inning off with a single. Abigail Curry singled to shortstop to advance Buffington to 3^rd and Varner singled to right field to score Buffington, giving the Lions a 6-0 lead. 
 
Lander scored two runs on two hits in the top of the 5^th to make the score 6-2, Lions. 
 
The Bearcats cut further into Emmanuel's lead in the top of the 6^th, scoring three runs on three hits and an error to bring the score to 6-5, Lions. 
 
The Lions answered back with a triple to center field by Abby Rocco. Rocco later scored on a passed ball to give the Lions a 7-5 lead which would be the final score.
 
At the plate, Ellee Varner was 3-4 and Kelley Feigen was 2-3.
 
On the mound, Kaitlyn Pickens got the start, going 5.1 innings. She gave up five runs (3 earned) on eight hits, striking out 4 batters. Macy Kelley closed out the game, pitching 1.2 innings. She struck out one batter and walked another. 
 
Next up, the Lions will travel to Lee University tomorrow to take on the Flames tomorrow at 2 & 4PM. 

For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.