Hickory, N.C. - The Lenoir-Rhyne softball team sent their seniors out in style on Saturday, winning 5-2 in the opener against Carson-Newman before erasing an 11-4 deficit in game two and turning it into a 14-11 win. Cassidy Wall had herself a day, going 6-for-7 with five runs and two RBI's.

Prior to the game the Bears honored seniors Cassidy Wall, Katelyn Rackard, and Julia Mardigian. The trio, who have been together since 2022, have compiled a 158-65 record with three NCAA Tournament appearances and a national semi-final appearance in 2024.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Game One Final: Lenoir-Rhyne 5, Carson-Newman 2
Game Two Final: Lenoir-Rhyne 14, Carson-Newman 11
Records: Lenoir-Rhyne (31-17, 16-8 SAC), Carson-Newman (26-18, 13-11 SAC)
Location: Hickory, N.C. | McCrorie Family Stadium

STORY OF GAME ONE:

• The Bears were methodical with their scoring, picking up solo runs in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th innings.
• Avery Kiger opened the scoring with a solo home run in the bottom of the second.
• Lani Warren picked up an RBI in the third before Carson-Newman tied things up with a two-run home run in the top of the fourth.
• Lenoir-Rhyne re-took the lead with an RBI double from Alexandria Gray in the bottom of the fourth.
• Katelyn Rackard and Madison Primm each picked up RBI's in the sixth to cushion the lead.
• Primm and Wall each had two hits, while Wall and Madison Wilson scored twice.
• Wilson picked up the win in the circle, throwing a complete game with nine strikeouts.

STORY OF GAME TWO:

• Carson-Newman jumped out on top early with two runs in the second.
• Lenoir-Rhyne used RBI doubles from Lani Warren, Julia Mardigian, and Cassidy Wall to take a 4-2 lead after three.
• The Eagles took advantage of LR miscues to score nine runs in the fourth and fifth innings, taking an 11-4 lead.
• Warren hit a solo home run and Wall followed that up with an RBI double to cut the lead to 11-6.
• After another Bear run, Madison Primm hit a grand slam with two outs to tie the game at 11-all. 
• Alexandria Gray put the Bears ahead 13-11 with an RBI double in the bottom of the sixth, and then scored on an error a few plays later to give the game it's final score.
• Madison Wilson (15-7) notched her second win of the day, allowing just one hit in two innings of relief work.
• Wall was incredible as the senior went 4-for-4 with three runs scored and two RBI's. 

STATS OF THE MATCH:

• Lenoir-Rhyne is now 39-28 all-time against the Eagles.
• Lani Warren and Madison Primm extended their hitting streaks to 11.
• Primm now has 17 home runs on the year and the Bears as a team have 84 overall.

UP NEXT: With this win Lenoir-Rhyne secured the No. 2 seed in the SAC Tournament. They will host the opening round best of three series starting on Friday. Official seeding will be out Saturday evening.