Union softball starts the season with a doubleheader sweep against Midway

Barbourville, Ky. – The Union Commonwealth University softball team hosted Midway in a doubleheader on Monday. It marked the season opener for each team. UCU won both games.

The second game was mostly played under the lights that were installed during the offseason courtesy of a six-figure donation by long-time Union benefactor Martin Williamson.

Union recorded 12 hits in each game, while Megan Merritt and Ryleigh Petrey combined to register five home runs in the doubleheader.

Game One:

The Bulldogs scored two runs in three separate innings. UCU led 6-2 after six innings, and went on to win 6-4 in seven innings.

Merritt was 3-of-4 with three hits, two runs scored, and one RBI. Merritt tallied a solo home run in the matchup as did Petrey.

Shaylin Lewis and Megan McGinley each registered two hits. Kiara Wiley tallied two RBIs, which was tied for the most by any player in the matchup. Merritt and Kinsley Redmon each tallied a triple.

Carly Cain was the winning pitcher. Cain allowed three earned runs in 6.1 innings pitched. Jeweleyette Lilley pitched 0.2 innings.

Game Two:

The Bulldogs won 13-5 in six innings. UCU tallied six runs in the bottom of the third inning as UCU led 10-3 entering the fourth.

Petrey was 4-of-4 with two home runs, three runs scored, and four RBIs. Merritt also tallied a homer. Merritt registered three hits, three RBIs, and two runs scored. Katie Fister was 3-for-3 with three RBIs to go with two doubles. Kaley Harris scored two runs for UCU.

Taylor Sain was the winning pitcher. Sain allowed four earned runs in 5.2 innings pitched. Lily Marsh pitched 0.1 innings for UCU.

The Bulldogs are now 2-0 on the season, while Midway is 0-2. Up next for UCU is a home doubleheader against Lindsey Wilson on Wednesday, Feb. 26, beginning at 3:00 p.m.