HARTSVILLE, S.C. - The Coker College softball team split their non-conference doubleheader with Mount Olive on Thursday (Mar. 21). Mount Olive took the first game 6-2 before the Cobras (21-7) rebounded to take game two 3-1.
The Cobras struggled to put runners on early in the first game as Mount Olive jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the fifth inning. They threatened in the seventh inning and plated a pair of runs but would fall 6-2 in game one to the Trojans.
Christine Carver got the start in the opener, giving up seven hits and four runs in three and a third. Nikki Linthicum came on for an inning and two thirds, allowing three hits and a pair of run before Taylor Forehand pitched the final two innings of the loss.
Game two saw the Coker offense come alive in the bottom of the sixth as they trailed by a run. Chloe Pelham led off the inning by roping a double to the fence before Ashley Meckley laid down a perfect bunt to move her over. With runners on second and third with no outs, Maria Williamson connected for a deep homerun for the second consecutive day to give the Cobras their first lead of the afternoon. They would not look back as Katelyn Chambers singled later in the inning to score Brianna Strickland and Rebekah Addison as the Cobras took game two 5-1.
Jordyn Goodman was excellent in her six innings of work as she picked up her fourth win of the year. Goodman struck out a career-high eight batters while allowing just five hits and one run. Forehand would come on in relief again as she tossed the seventh inning, shutting down to Trojans and striking out a pair of batters.
The Cobras will be back in action on Saturday (Mar. 23) when they travel to Lander for their final non-conference doubleheader of the season starting at 5:00 PM.
McDonald's Player of the Game - Maria Williamson