Pioneers Split at Motlow

By: Nick Kieser

GALLATIN, TENNESSEE — The Volunteer State Community College Pioneer softball program has split their final road series on the road with Motlow State Community College. Doing so the Pioneers are now 18-10 in conference play with four games left.

Tara Cates was the starting pitcher for game one and had quite the day in the circle. Totaling a complete seven-inning start, allowing four hits for one run, and struck out three of the Motlow batters.

Throughout game one the Pioneer batters were on their game hitting and it was evident on the score sheet. Alex Mcfarlin, Tara Cates, and Sydney Cope each hit runs in to get the 4-1 game one victory over the Motlow State Bucks.

"We still have some people who need to step up. It's good that our hitters hit well at practice but tense up in games, we should be alright. Pitching has done well and baserunning has been excellent, the defense has been good, and it all just comes down to who will get the big hit," said Heach Coach Johnny Lynn after the series at Motlow.

Game two was a flipped version of what game one was and how the results turned out. Madalyn Edde started the game, but Maggie Savage relieved her in the seventh inning. Savage allowed four hits and a walk to allow Motlow to get a walk-off single in extra innings and lose 6-5.

"This is a big test especially going into the tournament. You play all year to win the tournament, that's what I stress and everyone has playing time to show what you can do. We get [Chattanooga State Community College] them right before the tournament and they're fundamentally sound with good players and coaches so it's usually a tournament like atmosphere when we do play this team," said Lynn about what to expect about Chatt State.

Ace Hanson led the way for the Pioneers totaling two hits and one run scored, but the Lady Bucks countered in the last inning of regulation tying the game up at 5-5. To close the game the Bucks had two runners on and Madison Hopkins singled to get the walk-off single to take the 6-5 win over the Pioneers.

Coming to town today (April 26) the Chatt State Tigers (20-4) in the conference play will challenge this talented Pioneer group and Coach is right when he means playoff atmosphere because that's what this weekend has in store.

Follow the Volunteer State softball program on Twitter @VSCCPioneersSB for all the latest news and analysis surrounding the team.