MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Maryville College and Franklin College faced off in a doubleheader at the MC Softball Complex, with the Scots falling in the first game 10-0 and winning the second game decisively 8-0.
In the first game, Maryville faced a tough challenge, managing just two hits while Franklin capitalized on their opportunities with 11 hits, including three doubles and a homer. Franklin set the tone early, taking a 3-0 lead in the first inning, thanks to a three-run home run by Jaylee Fansler that brought home Jasmine Day and Zoey Kugelman. The second inning saw Franklin extend their lead to 4-0 after McKenna Lucas doubled, driving in Ruth Kaiser. The third inning proved decisive, as Franklin surged ahead with six more runs. Fansler contributed an RBI double, and Kugelman added a two-RBI single, solidifying Franklin's commanding 10-0 advantage.
Despite hits from
Kaylee Peyret and
Sydney Dickinson, the Scots couldn't convert these opportunities into runs.
Tia Stewart started on the mound for Maryville, pitching 2 innings and allowing 6 runs on 6 hits.
Watiyeli Taylor came in as relief, conceding 4 runs on 2 hits and a hit batter in just 1/3 inning.
Jacey Goetzinger finished strong, pitching 2 2/3 innings without allowing any earned runs, despite 3 hits and a wild pitch, maintaining a WHIP of 1.36.
Kaylee Peyret made her mark with a double, finishing with one hit and an OPS of 1.500.
Sydney Dickinson contributed with a hit, achieving an OPS of 1.000. Defensively,
Jessica Harris was pivotal with two assists, reinforcing the Scots' efforts on the field.
In the second game, Maryville's dominance was established early, led by
Sydney Dickinson's early four-run contribution. After initial outs by
Emma Blankenship and
Sydney Dickinson,
Catie Zani singled, followed by
Paige Dickinson's single, loading the bases with
Kaylee Peyret's walk.
Olivia Harris's walk brought the first run, and
Desiree Nance smashed a double to right center, clearing the bases and lifting the Scots to a 4-0 lead by inning's end. This commanding start put Maryville in a strong position.
Maryville capitalized further in the second inning, benefiting from Franklin's mishaps.
Jessica Harris walked, and
Emma Blankenship singled, setting up
Sydney Dickinson, who reached first on a pitcher's error, bringing
Jessica Harris home. A shortstop error allowed
Catie Zani to reach base and score another unearned run.
Paige Dickinson's sacrifice fly added another to the tally, pushing the lead to 7-0. The fifth inning saw the Scots seal their victory with one more run.
Abby Woodard singled, advancing to third with a hit-by-pitch and a sacrifice bunt.
Sydney Dickinson's sacrifice fly brought Woodard across home plate, finalizing the score at Maryville 8, Franklin 0.
Sydney Dickinson, a sophomore pitcher, delivered a stellar complete game shutout, conceding just three hits and no earned runs over five innings. She struck out five batters and issued five walks, demonstrating composure and control with 87 pitches, 48 of which were strikes, maintaining a WHIP of 1.60, and improving her season record to 5-1. Key contributions came from
Desiree Nance, who drove in three runs with a crucial double, and
Catie Zani, who added a hit, a run, and an RBI.
Paige Dickinson also contributed with a hit, a run, and an RBI.
Maryville now stands at 19-11 overall and 4-2 in the conference. The Scots are set to face Piedmont on Friday, April 3 at noon in Demorest, Georgia.
