SMC Softball Picks Up Two More Wins

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Spartanburg Methodist College picked up a pair of wins on the final day of the CAC Classic, routing Fisher 23-0 and coming from behind to defeat Carolina 2-1 on Saturday.

Spartanburg Methodist College (18-13, 3-3 CAC) started the day with a dominant performance against the Falcons. The Pioneers recorded 13 hits, including two doubles by Emma Kennington and two inside-the-park home runs by Carson McCowan. SMC starting pitcher Maddie Handy allowed just one hit, while reliever Lina Schwippert struck out seven in the final two innings.

The second game was much closer.

Carolina got on the scoreboard in the first inning with a sacrifice fly to take an early 1-0 lead. After stranding the bases loaded in the top of the first, SMC continued to apply pressure, leaving five runners on base over the next four innings.

In the sixth, with two outs, LeAnn Curry was hit by a pitch. Pinch-runner Emma Kennington then stole second to move into scoring position with Lydia Faulk at the plate. Faulk delivered a clutch single, allowing the speedy Kennington to score from second and tie the game at 1-1.

In the seventh, Gracie Starnes led off with a single to left field. She advanced to second on a well-placed sacrifice bunt by Alex Stuckey. Then, with two outs, Carson McCowan doubled to bring home Starnes from second, giving SMC the lead.

The Bruins mounted a threat in the bottom half of the inning with a pair of one-out singles. However, an alert Kyla Quiles fielded a grounder and threw to third for a force-out. She then induced a foul pop-out to seal the victory.

Next, SMC returns home for its next eight games, beginning with a doubleheader against St. Andrews on Thursday, April 3, at 1 p.m.