Back-to-Back Splits

By: Nick Kieser

GALLATIN, TENNESSEE — The Vol State Lady Pioneers (2-2) split their series with Calhoun College yesterday evening (Feb. 26). Game one the Pioneers won 7-6 and then lost 12-8 in the second home series.

Totaling 30 runs as a team this season the Pioneers seem to be on track to be prepared for the first conference games. Hannah Marlar hit her first home run of the season in the loss and Ali King hit the game-winning run in as Pioneers scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to top Calhoun College.

"To get the first win we needed to play more as a team. I feel all around as a team we picked each other up this game, defense and offense were really good that game," said Marlar postgame about getting the second win of the season.

Heading into the bottom of the third Calhoun was ahead 6-1 and the Pioneers came up with six unanswered runs to come up with the win. One of the biggest plays being King's double to score Alex McFarlin in to ultimately win the game.

"It felt good to get the momentum going and knowing now that in the future we can come back and we will not give up and we each other's back as teammates. I was just trying to hit something on the ground honestly," said King about what it took to overcome that deficit and get the game-winning hit.

Splitting the series also splits Madalyn Edde's record as a Pioneer as she started the next game and is 1-1 to start the season. Peyton MacLeod and Madison Milton came in for relief and it was not enough to get the win.

In the loss, the Pioneers had a four-run lead and Calhoun came back to have four unanswered runs put on the board. Marlar's home run was the last time the Pioneers held a lead in the loss to Calhoun. Next up for the Pioneers is Wabash Valley tomorrow afternoon (Feb. 28) starting another doubleheader at 2 p.m.

"We need to play like we did in the first game and have that mentality and be there for each other. Pitchers need to hit their spots and as fielders, we can't just throw it all around the field. We have teammates who have the experience and we can help each other out," said Marlar about going into playing Wabash and playing Roane Friday.

Wabash Valley visits at 2 p.m. for a doubleheader and after that, the Pioneers head up to Roane State for the first conference matchup. Follow the Twitter @VSCCPioneersSB for more news and live updates as the team plays.