Softball splits season-opening doubleheader

Wallace State Community College split their season-opening series against Volunteer State Community College at an away game at Lady Pioneer Field in Gallatin, Tenn.

Game 1: Wallace State 11, Volunteer State 5

In the first game, Wallace State took an early lead in the first inning with Laura Leigh Wheeler reaching on a fielder's choice, allowing Mckinnon Howard to score. Shortly after, Jessie Taylor's sacrifice fly brought Bayleigh Rouse home, extending their lead to 2-0. Volunteer State fought back in the bottom of the first to tie the game at 2-2.

The second inning saw Wallace State regain the lead with Caroline Cartron reaching on a fielder's choice, allowing Brandy Phillips to score, followed by another run due to a throwing error. Volunteer State closed the gap in the third with Shelby Greene's walk bringing in a run, making it 4-3.

Wallace State extended their lead in the fourth with Emily Hall's double bringing Phillips home. Volunteer State responded once more in the to narrow the gap 5-4.

Wallace State pulled away in the fifth inning, with Wheeler's homer bringing in two runs, followed by a series of hits and RBIs from Haley Hollyhand, Caroline Cartron, and Mckinnon Howard, pushing the score to 11-4. Volunteer State managed to score one more run in the sixth, but it wasn't enough to overcome Wallace State's lead, and the final score stood at 11-5.

Game 2: Wallace State 4, Volunteer State 7

In the second game, Volunteer State took an early lead of 2-0 in the third inning. Wallace State rallied in the fourth with Jessie Taylor's homer bringing in three runs, tying the game at 3-3. Brandy Phillips added another run with her solo homer, putting Wallace State in the lead 4-3.

Volunteer State fought back in the fifth inning, reclaiming the lead at it 7-4 and held the Lions off for the win.