Softball opened their season with a two-game set split with the Gordon State Lady Highlanders in Barnesville, Ga. on Saturday.

The first game, the Lady Cougars earned a tight 7-6 win over the Lady Highlanders. Cleveland State had to claw back into the game after they found themselves down 2-0 after three innings of play. The Lady Cougars put together a strong rally to get the victory, scoring four runs in the fourth inning and three in the fifth frame. 

Hannah Turner was huge in the matchup, going two-for-three from the plate and scoring two of Cleveland State's runs. Amber Atkins had a grand collegiate debut, driving in two RBI with a home run. Both Kaylee Hughes and Haley Fair also had two hits in the win. Anna Yell earned her first win in her collegiate debut on the mound for the Lady Cougars.

In the second game, Cleveland State suffered a 5-1 loss. It was a big debut for pitcher Kaylee Cornelius, who struck out eight batters. Fair had another strong game, recording another two hits in the second matchup of the doubleheader.

Cleveland State will be back in action on Tuesday as they travel to Boaz, Ala. to face Snead State. Their doubleheader with the Lady Parsons is set to begin at 2:00 ET.

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