May 7, 2022

by Dustin Semore, Sports Information Director

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A three-run homer was the difference-maker in Saturday's Mid-South Conference semifinal as the (3) Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions claimed victory over the (12) Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College Blue Raiders.

The Lady Lions (47-3, 30-3 MSC) were held hitless through the first two innings when Anna Kate Norton led off the home half of the third inning with a single into center. A pair of popouts sandwiched a strikeout, leaving the junior stranded.

After LWC (37-15, 22-9 MSC) was retired in the top of the fourth inning, Morgan Crawford found a hole for a single into left field. Cassie Hayes followed with a single of her own, giving way to Madelyn Crabb as a pinch-runner. The extra speed proved unnecessary because Annalise Jarnagin blasted her third long ball of the season to give the Lady Lions a 3-0 lead.

A wild pitch helped to extend the FHU lead in the bottom of the sixth inning after Sophie Dunavant and Crawford hit back-to-back base hits to the left side of the infield. After a groundout moved the runners up 60 feet, Jarnagin drew a walk to load the bases. With Caitlin Mitchell at the dish in a pinch-hit role, a pitch got away from the Blue Raider pitcher to allow Dunavant to touch home as the fourth and final run.

"Timing" was the difference the second time through the order according to head coach Todd Humphry. "We had faced [Lindsey Wilson's pitcher] twice before and had good charts on her so we felt it was just a matter of time."

Crawford (13-0) stayed unbeaten in the circle, giving up six hits in the shutout victory.

In addition to earning the win, Crawford hit the ball well, joining Norton with a two-hit performance.

Up Next

Freed-Hardeman sits in the driver's seat of the Mid-South Conference Championship, requiring just one more win to claim both the regular season and tournament titles. The Lady Lions' opponent remains to be determined with the championship game scheduled to begin tomorrow, May 8, at 2:30 p.m. with an if-necessary game to be played on Monday, May 9.