LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. -- The Covenant softball team had a record-breaking comeback in game one, but could not do the same in game two, as they split today's doubleheader with Brenau.
Covenant rallied back from a six-run deficit in game one to win 8-7 before falling in game two, 15-2.
GAME ONE: Covenant 8, Brenau 7
Aileen Hill hit a walk-off RBI single to give Covenant the victory, after overcoming a 6-0 deficit. The six-run comeback set a record for the largest comeback win in program history.
The Golden Tigers jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead after the top of the second inning. Brenau hit four singles and three doubles during their first two turns on offense.
But the Scots would rally in their half of the second, scoring four runs off of five hits and cutting the lead to two (6-4). Makenna Dance, Baylie Sims, Tori Layfield, and Hill all hit singles, while Jordan Holman recorded a three-RBI double.
The score remained 6-4 until the bottom of the fifth when Covenant tied it up 6-6 with a two-run inning off of a hit and a Brenau throwing error. During the sixth, both teams would score one run, making it 7-7 heading into the final seventh inning.
The Golden Tigers started the inning by loading the bases with no outs. But the Scots' defense stayed strong, as they would force two straight outs at home plate and get the third on a groundout.
Diana Muniz would lead off for Covenant in the crucial final inning. After being hit by a pitch, Muniz advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Sims. Up next for the Scots was Emma Giller, who was also put on first after she was hit by a pitch.
After Giller stole second, Holman was intentionally walked, which brought up Hill with the bases loaded and only one out. The rest is history, as Hill lined a single out to right field, bringing in the winning run.
Hill was 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Dance also went 3-for-4, and Layfield was 2-for-3.
Lauren Kierpa started in the circle for the Scots and was rewarded with the win (3-5). Jennifer Coates also pitched 4.1 innings.
Faith Groom went 3-for-4 for Brenau. Chloe Fambrough was the starting pitcher for the Golden Tigers and recorded the loss (1-1).
HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME
GAME TWO: Covenant 2, Brenau 15
Brenau's bats got hot in game two, as they went to score 15 runs off of 13 hits.
The Scots scored their first run in the bottom of the first inning off of one hit by Holman. Their second run came in the fifth thanks to an RBI single by Faith Manning.
The Golden Tigers had a six-run third inning, recording five hits including a home run by Hannah Patridge. Patridge hit a second homer in the top of the fifth inning, where Brenau would score five more runs.
Holman went 2-for-3 for Covenant, including a double. Kierpa got the start once again on the mound and receives the loss (3-6). Coates and Sims also spent time pitching for the Scots.
Patridge was a perfect 3-for-3 with two home runs and five RBIs. Cameron Dillard pitched all five innings for Brenau and earns the win (1-1).
Covenant is now 3-9, while Brenau sits at 2-2.
UP NEXT
Covenant will host Johnson (Tenn.) for a doubleheader on Saturday, February 27. Game one is set for 12 p.m. on Lookout Mountain.
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