Softball splits with Carolina in home opener

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (February 21, 2024) – The Milligan University softball team split a doubleheader against Carolina University in the Buffs' home opener at Anglin Field on Wednesday afternoon. The Buffs fell 12-2 in game one and rallied to a 5-4 victory in game two.

Milligan moves to 2-5 on the season while Carolina is 4-4.

Game 1 – Carolina 12, Milligan 2

The Buffs led the Bruins 2-1 with two outs in the fifth inning before Carolina scored six-straight runs with two outs to take a 7-2 lead. The visitors added five more runs in the seventh to walk away with the 12-2 victory.

Milligan starter Bree Presnell gave up just one hit, a solo home run, over the first four innings before the Bruins broke through with their two-out rally in the fifth.

Milligan scored on a pair of throwing errors by Carolina in the second.

Game 2 – Milligan 5, Carolina 4

Jaylyn Halliburton broke a 2-2 tie in the bottom of the sixth with a three-run home run. Carolina responded with a two-run shot in the top of the seventh but Sadie Shoun recorded the final out to secure a save.

The Buffs led 2-0 as Mia Grassee belted a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first and Morgan Lawson scored on another Carolina throwing error.

Carolina scored an unearned run in the second and tied the game with an RBI triple in the fifth. Milligan's game two starter Katelin Secrist stranded runners on third base in the fifth and sixth innings and earned her first win of the season.

After Grassee's home run, the Buffs did not have a hit until the sixth inning. Layney Loyd singled, Alana Parsons was hit by a pitch and Halliburton jacked a home run after a sacrifice bunt.

Secrist went 6.1 innings and allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits.

Milligan starts Appalachian Athletic Conference play next Friday at CIU.