MORRISTOWN, TN – Walters State came close twice on Friday but could not get over the hump against Volunteer State, falling 11-10 and 5-4.

With the losses, Walters State fell to 22-8 on the season and 12-4 in TCCAA play. 

"We had plenty of chances," Walters State coach Larry Sauceman said. "We just didn't get it done and couldn't get over the hump. We led in both games but couldn't get it done. That was the difference."

Game One: Volunteer State 11, Walters State 10

In game one, Walters State led by two runs through five innings but a three-run sixth from Vol gave them the late victory.

Ashley Milligan got the start in the circle and gave up 10 runs on 10 hits while striking out four in 5.1 innings. Allison Chandler replaced her with an out in the sixth and pitched the final 1.2 innings, allowing one run on three hits. 

At the plate, Walters State hit three home runs as Kasey Bennett led the way with a homer and five RBIs. Brianna Beech and Olivia Harris had the other home runs in the game for the Lady Senators. 

Vol State started things off in the game with two runs in the top of the first. However, Walters State answered in the bottom half of the inning as Bennett hit a two-run homer. 

Vol State scored three in the top of the second to take the lead back and 5-2 remained the score until the top of the fourth when Vol added two more runs. 

Facing a blowout, the Lady Senators responded in the form of six runs in the bottom of the fourth to take the lead. Following a double from Harris and single from Jessica Campbell, Harris scored the first run of the inning on an error that allowed Jessica Odom to reach.

Bennett was the next batter and closed the gap to two with a two-RBI double. Following an error that allowed Halle Laramie to reach base, Beech gave Walters State the lead with a three-run home run. 

In the fifth, Vol State tied the game back up at eight but the tie didn't last for long as Harris led off the bottom of the fifth with a solo home run that put Walters State up, 9-8. Later in the inning, Bennett scored Campbell on an error and it was 10-8.

Unfortunately for the Lady Senators, Vol State hit a three-run homer in the sixth that gave them the 11-10 lead and win. 

Game Two: Volunteer State 5, Walters State 4

In game two, the Lady Senators once again had a chance but weren't able to take advantage. 

Chandler got the start in the circle in game two and threw four innings, allowing four runs, only one earned, on five hits. Abigayle Holt replaced her in the fifth and gave up one run on five hits in 2.1 innings of work before Milligan got the final two outs of the seventh. 

At the plate, the Lady Senators hit three more home runs with Beech hitting her second of the day. Ava Brooks and Campbell hit the other two home runs. 

For the second straight game, Vol State got off to a quick start with a run in the first and two in the second. In the bottom of the second, Walters State got a run back as Tatum Dye doubled in Larmie. 

The Lady Senators then tied the game in the third as Brooks and Campbell went back-to-back with solo home runs.

Following a scoreless fourth, both teams traded runs in the fifth. Walters State's run came on a Beech solo home run. 

In the seventh, Vol State took a 5-4 lead with a leadoff home run. The Lady Senators had a chance with runners on first and second with two outs but a groundout ended the game. 

Up Next:

Walters State will be back in action on Saturday for two more games against Vol State. First pitch is set for 12 p.m.

"We have to come out and play," Sauceman said. "We have to make it happen. We just have to get over the hump." 

Rob Harvey

Walters State Community College

Sports Information Director

Cell: (423) 779-8880

Email: sportsinfo@ws.edu

Website: www.ws.edu/athletics