Cleveland State Softball opened their 2021 regular season at home against Volunteer State and played to a doubleheader split with the Lady Pioneers.

GAME 1-

The first game needed extra innings to reach a resolution, with the Lady Cougars winning 3-2 after designated player Anna Yell scored the game-winning run on a fielding error with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 8th inning. Yell was two-for-three with a walk in the contest.

Catcher Amber Atkins was also a key contributor offensively, as she notched a two-for-four stat line in the game. First baseman Kaylee Hughes had the lone RBI for Cleveland State, which came on a sacrifice fly, and walked in the game.

On the mound, pitcher Kaylee Cornelius pitched a gem in her first start of the season for the Lady Cougars, allowing just two earned runs and striking out six batters in seven innings of work. Out of the pen, Hannah Thrasher earned the win after she pitched a perfect eighth inning and struck out a batter.

GAME 2-

In the second game, the Lady Cougars fell 11-6 to the Lady Pioneers. It was a huge game for right fielder Makala Strickland, as she went two-for-four with four RBI and two runs scored. Atkins also recorded an RBI for Cleveland State and was two-for-four with a run scored in the contest. Both second baseman Lexi Vogel and Hughes also posted two-for-four games and each scored a run.

The Lady Cougars will be back in action on Sunday as they travel to Gallatin for another doubleheader with the Lady Pioneers. First pitch is set for 2:00 PM.

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