PULASKI, Tenn. – Tennessee Southern opened the home slate in emphatic fashion, sweeping rival Bethel in a twin bill at Royce Hughes Field. Despite Bethel entering the day with limited practice and field time due to recent wintry storms across the region, the Firehawks took advantage early and never relinquished control in either contest.
Game One – Tennessee Southern 17, Bethel 2 (5 innings)
UT Southern wasted no time in the opener, erupting for nine runs in the bottom of the first inning to seize immediate momentum. Haley McDaniel sparked the inning by reaching on an error and later added a two-RBI single, while Carley Cook delivered an RBI single before later going deep in the second inning. Hannah Lindsey and Emory Hall each added RBI hits during the opening surge as the Firehawks capitalized on constant pressure on the bases.
The offense stayed relentless in the second inning, plating seven more runs. Cook's solo home run highlighted the frame, while Lindsey tripled in a run and Hall followed with an RBI triple of her own. Marie Bodily, Mikayla McCain and Alaina King all drove in runs as UT Southern pushed the lead out of reach.
In the circle, Stella Gilbreath earned the win, allowing just one run over four innings with four strikeouts before Emma Ursery closed out the game. Lindsey finished with multiple hits and an RBI, while Hall collected three hits and drove in two as the Firehawks closed out the run-rule victory in five innings.
Game Two – Tennessee Southern 11, Bethel 7
The nightcap proved more competitive early, but UT Southern responded every time Bethel threatened. Mikayla McCain set the tone in the first inning with a three-run home run to center field, scoring Lauren Pettie and Carley Cook to give the Firehawks an early advantage.
After Bethel briefly moved in front in the third, UT Southern answered with a decisive seven-run bottom half of the inning. Bodily delivered a two-RBI single to regain the lead, followed by RBI hits from Stella Gilbreath and Hannah Lindsey. Pressure on the bases and timely hitting helped the Firehawks extend the margin, with Pettie recording three hits on the day and Lindsey finishing a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate.
Ella Singletary went the distance in the circle, striking out six over seven innings to earn the win. Despite a late push from Bethel in the seventh, UT Southern shut the door to complete the sweep, collecting 16 hits and showcasing depth throughout the lineup.
Tennessee Southern will be back in action Friday, February 13, traveling to Bryan College for its next road test.
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