Sophomore Bridgette Wilson, shown from a contest earlier this season, had six hits during Motlow’s series split with Volunteer State. Photo by Jeff Reed Photography.
Motlow (16-6-2, 11-5) also staged a comeback in Friday’s series opener, scoring four runs in the seventh inning to win 9-8. The Lady Pioneers turned the tables in Friday’s second game 10-6. Following the Lady Bucks’ dramatic win in Saturday’s opener, the home team finished off the weekend earning a split with a 10-2 victory.
Motlow is scheduled to play three doubleheaders at home this week, beginning with a visit from non-conference Martin Methodist College JV on Tuesday at 2 p.m. The Lady Bucks are back in conference play this weekend, hosting Cleveland State on Thursday at 2 p.m. and Friday, April 3, at noon. There is no admission charge to Motlow College athletic events.
Friday’s first game typified the Lady Bucks during this 2015 season; a team that continues to battle even when faced with significant deficits. The Lady Pioneers (9-11, 7-9) put Motlow in an early 7-1 hole after three innings, but the Lady Buck scored four in the sixth and four more in the seventh to grab the one run win.
Cameron Pearson (10-1) went the distance, allowing 11 hits and three earned runs. The Lady Bucks overcame seven errors during the victory and got out-hit 11-9. Taylor Wolaver went 3-4 with three RBI and Chelsea Buffington drove in a pair of runs. Wolaver scored the go-ahead run on a Buffington sacrifice fly.
Motlow staged a mini comeback during Friday’s second game although it fell short. After falling behind 10-0 through four innings the Lady Bucks fought back before losing 10-6. Shaky defense hurt the Motlow cause with five errors, but Motlow pitchers Riley Long, Lauren Hasty and Rachel Gamble combined to give up 13 hits and seven earned runs.
Saturday’s opener was a classic, with Pearson pitching the full 10 innings and allowing 20 hits, but only six earned runs. After the early 6-0 deficit, the Lady Bucks scored four runs in the second, two in the third and four more in the fourth inning to lead 11-7 after five innings. However, Volunteer State added three in the sixth and one more in the seventh to tie the game at 11-11. Each team scored once in the eighth before Motlow plated the game winner in the tenth. Lianna Martinez scored the game winner for the Lady Bucks on Pearson’s sacrifice fly.
Miranda Whelan slammed three doubles and drove in three runs and Bridgette Wilson added a pair of doubles and drove in two more runs. Pearson had two RBI as Motlow collected 15 hits and overcame nine errors.
The Lady Bucks seemed to run out of steam by Saturday’s second game after taking a 2-0 lead in the first inning. The Lady Pioneers scored two in the second, three in the third, two more in the fourth and three runs in the sixth.
Long took the loss, allowing seven hits and four earned runs in three innings. Gamble pitched the final two innings and gave up four hits and three earned runs.
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