DEMOREST, Ga. – The Covenant softball team fell in both games of a doubleheader at USA South top seeded Piedmont on Friday afternoon.

It was the first time the Scots have been swept by a conference foe this season, as they would lose game one, 10-8, and game two, 6-4.

The losses bring Covenant to 9-5 in conference play and 19-14 overall.

GAME ONE: Piedmont 10, Covenant 8

In a back-and-forth game one, the Scots connected on 13 hits, but were ultimately overcome by Piedmont, 10-8.

Lauren Kay went 3-for-5 with three runs scored, while Vanessa Davis, Jordan Holman, Alexa Gonzalez, and Makenna Dance all tallied two hits apiece. Davis added two RBIs, and Holman recorded three.

Covenant used singles from Kay and Holman in the first to help make it 2-0. But, the host Lions would respond with five runs off of five singles in the bottom of the inning to take a three-run lead (5-2).

An RBI-single from Dance and a two RBI-single from Davis quickly tied it up though, as the Scots would tack on three runs in the top of the second (5-5).

But Piedmont would then take back their lead, scoring three runs off of six hits over the course of the second and third innings (8-5).

Covenant once again tied it up in the top of the fourth, adding three runs to the board off of three hits. Kay recorded a double, and Holman connected on a two-RBI triple during the rally, making it 8-8.

The hits kept coming for the Lions, though, as they would tack on an additional run in both the fourth and fifth innings, giving themselves a two-run lead (10-8). 

The Scots would put runners in scoring position in the sixth and seventh. But Piedmont was able to shut down the threats, sealing their 10-8 victory.

Lauren Kierpa (8-8) pitched the entirety of the contest and earned the loss after recording three strikeouts and nine earned runs.

Kara Taylor and Madison Henry both went 3-of-4, combining for three RBIs. Emma McBrayer (11-2) started in the circle for the Lions and picked up the win with one strikeout and six earned runs.

GAME TWO: Piedmont 6, Covenant 4

It was another back-in-forth contest, as the host Lions would garner their second two-run victory of the day.

Covenant struck first once again as they would take a 1-0 lead in the first inning. With the bases loaded, Holman would reach on a fielder's choice, bringing in a run.

After holding the Lions scoreless in the second, the Scots tacked on another run in their half of the third thanks to a double from Kay and an RBI-single from Taylor Murdock (2-0).

But, a double from Kaitlin Isley and a Covenant error brought in two runs for Piedmont in the bottom of the inning, knotting the score at two runs apiece (2-2).

After a scoreless fourth inning for both squads, the Scots would once again take the lead in the top of the fifth.

With two outs and loaded bases, an error brought in a run, making it 3-2 in favor of Covenant. Mary Elaine Mitchell would then single, bringing in the Scots' fourth run of the contest (4-2).

But, Piedmont was not to go quietly, as they would respond with four hits and two more runs in their half of the inning, tying the score once again. Rebekah Stegmayer tripled and Henry doubled during the rally, making it 4-4.

The Lions then tacked on another two runs in the bottom of the sixth, thanks to a two-RBI single from Isley (6-4). And after recording a quick three outs in the top of the seventh, Piedmont was able to finish the sweep with a 6-4 win.

Kay continued her hot hitting, going 2-of-2 with two walks and a double. Murdock was 3-for-3 with an RBI, while Davis, Mitchell, and Rebecca Hazard all had two hits apiece. 

Murdock threw 4.1 innings, allowing four earned runs. Maggie Harris (3-2) earned the loss with two earned runs in 1.2 innings pitched.

Isley finished 3-of-4 with four RBIs. Martina Marloch (9-4) pitched the entirety of the game for the Lions, earning the win after recording two strikeouts, two walks, and two earned runs.

Piedmont improves to 11-1 in conference play and 22-9 overall.

UP NEXT

Covenant will host Agnes Scott for Senior Day on Wednesday, April 20. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.

CONNECT WITH THE SCOTS

Be sure to follow the Scots all season long on athletics.covenant.edu and on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for up-to-date scores, news and other information.