MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- The Maryville softball team dropped #9 Huntingdon in the first game of their series before quickly falling to the Hawks in the second.
Zani Breaks Scoring Drought in the Seventh
Game one unfolded as a true defensive battle, with both teams going quietly through the first few innings. Maryville struck out 10 times on the day, and Huntingdon's Allie Roberts matched Tia Stewart pitch-for-pitch early, keeping the Scots hitless through five innings.
Huntingdon threatened in the third, putting a runner in scoring position after a single and a walk, but Stewart worked out of trouble to keep the game scoreless. The Hawks also picked up a hit in the fourth and another in the sixth, but Maryville's defense held firm, turning routine plays and avoiding any big innings.
The breakthrough finally came in the top of the seventh. After six innings of limited offense, Catie Zani stepped in and delivered a clutch solo home run, giving the Scots a 1-0 edge with just three outs remaining.
With the lead in hand, Stewart returned to the circle and retired the side in order in the bottom half, completing the shutout and securing the win for Maryville.
Hawks Strike Early, Hold ControlÂ
The second game saw a much different pace, as Huntingdon jumped on Maryville early. After a hit-by-pitch and a walk in the opening inning, a triple down the right field line brought in two runs, followed by an RBI single to make it 3-0 before the Scots could record momentum.
Huntingdon added to its lead in the second inning, using a single, a sacrifice bunt, and another timely hit to plate two more runs and extend the advantage to 5-0.
Maryville had chances to respond in the middle innings. In the first, Emma Blankenship reached on an error and Sydney Dickinson followed with a single to put two on, but the Scots were unable to capitalize. A similar opportunity came in the fifth when a passed ball and walk moved runners into scoring position, but Huntingdon escaped the inning without damage.
The Scots finally broke through in the sixth inning when Paige Dickinson launched a solo home run to cut into the deficit at 5-1.
However, Huntingdon answered immediately in the bottom half. A single and stolen base set the table before a sacrifice fly and a two-run home run extended the lead to 8-1, putting the game out of reach.
Maryville picked up a hit in the seventh but couldn't string together a rally, as Huntingdon closed out the victory.
