Four hours to the south and west of the Concord campus, the Lady Lions Softball team found refuge from West Virginia's winter and opened their 2010 season with a non-conference doubleheader at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN.
On a breezy, sunny Friday afternoon with temperatures in the mid-50s, Concord dropped both games to the Railsplitters, 6-0 and 4-1.
The doubleheader was originally scheduled for Thursday, but was pushed back a day to allow for better playing conditions at LMU's Neely Field.
Cierra Mudd was Concord's nemesis in the first game. As pitcher, she flirted with a no-hitter until Concord reached her for a pair of singles in the top of the 7th, on her way to a complete-game victory. At bat, Mudd hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the 5th inning that snapped a scoreless tie and sparked a rally that resulted in all six of LMU's runs.
Lady Lions freshman Katie Billingslea broke up Mudd's no-hit bid with a one-out single in the 7th, but was thrown out trying to reach second base. Stephanie Harper followed with a single to center, but Mudd retired Kaylyn Klatt to secure the shutout.
The Lady Lions would take the first lead of Game Two. In the top of the 3rd inning, Kaylyn Klatt drew a one-out walk and moved to second after Mariel Wilson was hit by a pitch. Rebecca Gleason would bring in Klatt with an error by Railsplitters LF Chelley Christian.
Samantha Clement would reach base to load the bases, but CU couldn't push across another run.
Christian redeemed herself with a single to lead off the bottom of the 3rd, starting a rally that tied the game 1-1. In the 4th, she would drive in a run to put the Railsplitters ahead 2-1.
In the bottom of the 5th, LMU catcher Devon Sponseller doubled to drive in a run, then scored on a double-steal three batters later.
Lincoln Memorial improved to 4-0 with Friday's sweep.
The Lady Lions visit Fayetteville State (NC) for a doubleheader on Sunday, February 21st. The twinbill begins at 2:00 pm EST.
