NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Mississippi College dropped the series finale on Saturday, falling 8-6 to Trevecca Nazarene in a back-and-forth contest.
Trevecca Nazarene (9-10) used a fast start to build an early cushion, scoring two runs in the first inning and adding three more in the second behind a three-run home run from Annalise Mecklenburg to take a 5-1 lead. The Trojans extended the advantage to 7-1 through four innings and added another run in the fifth.
Mississippi College (18-12-1, 9-6 GSC) responded with timely offense, collecting 11 hits in the contest. Blakely Gill and Madelyn England each recorded two hits and scored twice, while Shelby Samples delivered a strong performance at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double, a home run and three RBIs.
The Choctaws began to chip away in the fifth inning, as Samples laced a two-run double to cut the deficit to 7-3. MC added two more runs in the sixth inning on RBI plays from Gill and Morgan Lavergne, trimming the margin to 8-5.
Samples continued the late push with a solo home run in the seventh inning, but Trevecca Nazarene's pitching staff held firm to secure the win and series.
Camryn Bailey (10-5) took the loss in the circle for Mississippi College, allowing six runs over three innings of work. Reagan Rios provided a bright spot in relief, striking out four and allowing just one run across 2.2 innings.
Bailey Goad (6-4) earned the win for the Trojans, while Haylie Brooks recorded the save.
Mississippi College returns to action Tuesday with a non-conference road matchup at Spring Hill.
