The Faulkner Eagles opened Southern States Athletic Conference softball play Saturday with a doubleheader against Blue Mountain Christian in Montgomery, Alabama. The Eagles won both games, defeating the Toppers 2-0 and 12-2 in five innings, despite strong individual efforts from BMCU players.
In the first game, Faulkner edged Blue Mountain Christian in a pitching duel. The Eagles scored a run in the fourth inning and added an insurance run on a solo home run in the fifth. The Toppers managed three hits, including a 2-for-3 performance from Anna Harrison with a double, and a double from Neely Barrier. Madison Montgomery pitched six innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits for Blue Mountain Christian.
Faulkner used timely hitting to secure the second game victory. The Eagles scored four runs in the second inning, three in the third, and five in the fourth. Blue Mountain Christian scored two runs, including an RBI double from Mikaylah Fuqua. Aspen Teague and Laklyn Nichols also recorded hits and runs for the Toppers. The team finished with four hits overall. Defensively, BMCU committed six errors, helping Faulkner extend innings and capitalize on opportunities.
In the circle, Neely Cooper started for Blue Mountain Christian and struck out four batters. Jana Shaw also pitched in relief for the Toppers. The series marked the beginning of conference play for both teams.
