JACKSON, Miss. – The Millsaps softball team (10-24, 5-12 SAA) were edged 2-1 in Game One, but were able to down Hendrix (10-24, 3-14 SAA) in Game Two, 9-4 on Friday.
The Majors also recognized seniors Camille Black, Haylie Hoffpauir, Brianna Newman, Katie Norris, Molli Perry and Abigail Smith following the doubleheader.
On Saturday, Molli Perry was named the 2024 Molly Tyner Boland Memorial Award recipient. Saturday's Game Three was rained out in the second inning at Millsaps Softball Complex.
Game 1: 2-1, L
Camille Black finished 2-for-3 with a triple and scored a run, while Norris finished 1-for-3. Hoffpauir tallied the lone RBI in Game One. Freshman Madeline Black also walked twice.
Freshman Allana Vasquez pitched all seven innings, striking out six batters and only allowing two runs. She also walked no batters against six hits.
Hendrix opened the game with a leadoff home run and later extended their advantage to 2-0 in the second inning with two singles and pair of steals.
However in the bottom of the fifth, Camille Black looked to power a comeback with a one-out triple. Hoffpauir would tally an RBI with a ground out to the pitcher and cut the deficit to 2-1.
Millsaps would put pressure on the Warriors with runners on first and second with no outs in the sixth. A couple of fly outs and ground out closed the opportunity.
The Majors found themselves in a similar situation in the seventh following a walk and Camille Black single. However, the Warriors would catch a bunt attempt and two ensuing fly outs to claim Game One.
Game 2: 9-4, W
In Game Two, Norris batted 3-for-4 with three RBIs, a double and scored a run.
Sophomore Kinsey Smith recorded a 2-for-3 game with an RBI and walk. Vasquez batted 2-for-4 with three RBIs, two runs scored and added a double.
Perry stole a base, scored two runs and finished 2-for-4, while Madeline Black walked twice more, stole a base a scored a run.
Newman held the Warriors pitched four innings of relief with two strikeouts, no walks and one earned run against. Abigail Smith was strong in the opening three innings with no walks, one earned run and two strikeouts.
The Warriors jumped ahead for a 2-0 margin in the first inning. Millsaps would get on the board in the bottom of the third when Vasquez doubled to left field to score Perry from second.
Hendrix went up 4-1 in the top of the fourth with two runs.
Millsaps would come alive in the bottom of the fourth inning with five runs. Hoffpauir was hit by pitch and brought Camille Black home with the bases loaded.
Moments later in the inning, a Vasquez single plated Hoffpauir and sophomore Alli Nolen.
Norris would then step on home plate making a crucial single bringing Vasquez and Perry around, giving Millsaps a 6-4 advantage.
Millsaps would add three runs in the bottom of the sixth as Norris doubled home Vasquez, Kinsey Smith singled home Katie Norris and Nolen utilized a sacrifice fly to allow Madeline Black to score.
Newman used a strikeout and two fly outs to even the series with a 9-4 win.
Game Three on Saturday was rained out and canceled in the second inning.
The Majors will now focus their attention on the SAA Softball Tournament, beginning on Friday in the Birmingham-Southern Pod. Millsaps will first face No. 3 seed Rhodes in a double-elimination format.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the Millsaps softball program follow the Majors on Twitter and Instagram, like Millsaps Majors Athletics on Facebook or visit gomajors.com.
