Matt Barker, Sports Information Director

HENDERSON, Tenn. - The Freed-Hardeman Lady Lion Softball team split a pair of games Monday afternoon at Central Baptist College, as they suffered a 13-5 loss in the opening game, but followed it up with a 7-4 victory in the nightcap on the road in Conway, Ark.

The Lady Lions (20-11, 12-2 AMC) struggled to overcome an eight-run first inning, where FHU starter Makenzie Prince gave up seven walks to provide Central Baptist with a comfortable lead (17-12, 6-4 AMC).

Prince pitched just 1/3 of an inning in the opener while Mallory Spurlock and Hannah Wright combined for 3 1/2 innings of relief in the loss. The Lady Lions attempted a late rally with a five-run fifth inning, but it would not be enough, as the Mustangs combined for 13 runs in the 13-5 victory.

However, despite suffering the loss in the opening game, the Lady Lions turned things around in the nightcap, as they picked up the 7-4 victory. Mallory Spurlock earned the win in the nightcap after working a complete game and allowing just seven hits and no earned runs while striking out 11 batters.

The Lady Lions did a majority of their damage in the top half of the fifth inning, as they pushed five runs across to provide FHU with a comfortable lead. The Mustangs ended the game strong with four runs in the final four innings, but it would not be enough, as FHU held on for the 7-4 victory.

In addition to her impressive play in the circle, Spurlock also found success at the plate, as she went 1-for-3 in the nightcap with a homerun and three RBI in the win. Kaylyn Graham and Morgan Warren also recorded multi-hit games, as Graham went 2-for-4 while Warren with 2-for-3 with a double.

With the Tuesday split, the Lady Lions move to 20-11 on the season and 12-2 in conference play. Central Baptist moves to 17-12 on the season and 6-4 in AMC play with the split.

UP NEXT: The Lady Lions continue their road trip Friday, April 6th, as they take on Missouri Baptist University for a double-header slated for 2:00 PM in St. Louis, Mo.