Matt Barker, Sports Information Director

CLERMONT, Fla. - The Freed-Hardeman Lady Lion Softball team opened the NAIA World Series on a high note Friday afternoon, as they picked up a 4-0 shutout over Faulkner University at Legends Way Field in Clermont, Fla.

Mallory Spurlock (18-6) picked up the win for FHU after pitching a gem, where she allowed just three hits and no earned runs while striking out nine batters. Caitlyn Carter led FHU at the plate after going 2-for-4 with a triple while Kaylyn Graham went 1-for-4 with two RBI in the win.

The Lady Lions (36-14) got the game started off with a bang in the top of the first inning, as they pushed two runs across to take an early lead in the match-up. FHU leadoff hitter Caitlyn Carter got the scoring drive started with a triple to deep left field and scored later in the inning following a fielder's choice to put FHU up 1-0.

Emily Bombard also crossed the plate in the top of the first inning after reaching on an error by Faulkner startng pitcher Caitlin Perry and scoring on an RBI single by Annaka Baxter to give FHU an early 2-0 lead.

FHU tacked on one more run in the top of the fifth inning to extend their lead at the 3-0 mark. Annaka Baxter got the inning started with a two-out walk and crossed the plate in the next at bat following an RBI double by Hannah Wright to provide a much needed insurance run for the Lady Lions.

Another insurance run followed for the Lady Lions in the top of the sixth inning, as Emily Bombard crossed the plate after reaching on a single to left field and scoring on an RBI single by Kaylyn Graham to put FHU up 4-0. From there, Spurlock shut the Eagles down the remainder of the way, as the Lady Lions secured the 4-0 shutout.

With the win, the Lady Lions move to 36-14 on the season and advance to the second round, where they face No. 1 seed Georgia Gwinnett College at 4:30 PM C.S.T. in Clermont, Fla. With the loss, Faulkner University falls to 48-15 on the season.