BABSON PARK, Fla. (February 13, 2022) - Hosting its third doubleheader in just four days, the Webber International University softball team faced the Bryan College Lions on Saturday afternoon. The Warriors dropped a tight game one, 3-1, before forcing a run-rule in game two with an 11-3 victory in six innings.

The Warriors (4-4 overall) would start with Jenna Chaudoin in the pitchers circle for game one. Chaudoin would give up three runs, only one of which was earned, on four hits. The Lions (2-4) kept Webber's bats quiet for the most part, giving up just one run on three hits.

Bryan would score first, collecting two runs in the top of the second, both of which would be unearned runs. In the bottom of the third inning, the Warriors would find themselves with one out and runners on second and third. A single through the left side from Kelsea Friend would score Taylor Bias and reduce the Lions' lead to just one run. An RBI single from the Lions in the next half inning would restore their two-run lead at 3-1.

Morgan Mills would relieve Chaudoin, pitching the final two innings, allowing only one hit. However, the Warriors would leave a runner on base in each of the final four innings, unable to close the gap.

Friend would finish game one 1-3 with an RBI single while Mary-Margaret Maggard and Maddie Houtz would also finish 1-3 with the only other hits of the game.

The bats would come alive for the Warriors in game two as they scored 11 runs on 10 hits. Kayla Swinson would be the starting pitcher for Webber, allowing just two hits and striking out five in her 5.2 innings of work.

In the bottom of the first inning, Paysee Crow would score the first run for the Warriors on an error by the shortstop. Then, a bases-loaded double from Brandy Barquin would clear the bases and earn Webber an early 4-0 lead. The next inning, Friend would single, steal second base, and then score on an error by the third baseman. Later that inning, Maddie Houtz would smack an RBI double into left-center field, making it 6-0. A two-RBI single from Abigail Thompson in the bottom of the fourth would score Maggard and Friend, increasing the lead to eight runs. The Lions would score their only three runs in the bottom of the fifth on back-to-back RBI doubles and an RBI single later in the inning. The bottom of the sixth would begin with back-to-back singles from Maggard and Crow followed by a bases-clearing triple from Houtz who would then score on an error, ending the game at 11-3.

The Warriors were led by Houtz who was 2-3 with a double, a triple, three RBI's, and two runs scored. Barquin went 1-2 with a double and three RBI's as well while Maggard hit .750, going 3-4 with three runs scored. Thompson would finish 2-3 with two RBI's, a run scored, and a stolen base to her credit.

"We were happy with how the girls responded to Thursday's losses," spoke Head Coach Kristy Burton after the games. "We struggled to get the job done offensively in game one, but it was nice to see our bats finally come alive in game two. This was a huge step forward for our program as we have struggled to link hits together so far this season. We are thankful to be getting better through every game as a team and excited to see this team continue to grow, fight, and win together."

The Warriors will now host Florida National University in a single game on Wednesday, February 16th at 1 p.m. before hosting a doubleheader against Truett-McConnell University two days later on Friday, February 18th, at 1 and 3 p.m.