Aviators Take Home First Victories in Double Header Against Williams Baptist College
Walnut Ridge, Arkansas - The ASU-Newport Aviators took to the diamond in a thrilling doubleheader against the Williams Baptist University Eagles, and they didn't disappoint their fans, claiming victory in both games with scores of 9-5 and 17-10. It was a day filled with explosive offensive performances, as the Aviators collected an impressive 12 hits in Game 1 and followed it up with a remarkable 19 hits in Game 2.
Game 1: Aviators 9, Eagles
The first game of the doubleheader saw the Aviators face off against the Eagles in a tightly contested battle. The Aviators came out swinging, putting up six runs in the first inning to set the tone for the game. Williams Baptist University fought back, narrowing the gap, but ASU-Newport's pitching and defense held firm. Katlyn Erickson earned the win for the Aviators. The reliever surrendered four hits and one run over four innings, striking out four and walking one. Lyrick Stapleton got the start in the circle. Stapleton gave up four hits and four runs (two earned) over three innings, striking out four and walking one.
The Aviators' offense was led by a strong collective effort, with 12 hits on the board. Crissa Ahrens, Abbie Nation, Sarah Davis each collected two hits for the Aviators. Nations went 2-3 at the plate and led the team with 3 RBIs. Abbie Lawrence hit the programs first homerun in history with a solo home run to centerfield.
Game 2: Aviators 17, Eagles 10
In the second game, the Aviators and the Eagles engaged in an offensive slugfest that kept fans on the edge of their seats. ASU-Newport's bats came alive, pounding out an astonishing 19 hits on their way to a 17-10 victory.
The Aviators' offensive stars shone brightly, with multiple players contributing to the high-scoring affair. Macee McGill had a big day driving in six runs on four hits. McGill hit a homerun to centerfield in the 7th inning scoring three. Ahrens and McGill each had four hits. Skyler Riddle, Shelbie Walker, Nation and Davis each collected multiple hits.
The Eagles did not go down without a fight, putting up 10 runs of their own, but the Aviators' relentless offense proved to be too much to handle. ASU-Newport's pitching staff did enough to preserve the lead and secure the sweep. Lyrick Stapleton earned the win. The reliever gave up two hits and one run (zero earned) over two innings striking out three and walking none. Carley Clark started the game surrendering eight hits and six runs (five earned) over four innings, striking out two and walking two. Erickson appeared in relief.
ASU-Newport Aviators head coach, Kevin Pearce, praised her team's performance, saying, "Our team did not look like a first-year program today, these were big historical wins for us. I am so proud. Sweeping a doubleheader is no easy feat, and I'm proud of how they competed. We'll carry this momentum forward as we continue our Fall season."
With this doubleheader sweep, the ASU-Newport Aviators improved their record for this Fall and continue to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the collegiate softball world. Their impressive hitting and well-rounded team performance have fans eagerly anticipating their next game. The next game for Aviator Softball will be a doubleheader this Saturday at Tuckerman, AR. First pitch is set for 2:00.