MOBILE, Ala. — Mississippi College split a nonconference doubleheader with Spring Hill College on Tuesday at Murray Field, falling 9-7 in the opener before rallying for a 3-2 win in the nightcap.
The Choctaws move to 19-13-1 overall on the season following the split.
In game one, Mississippi College jumped out early as Ashlyn Rodgers used her speed to manufacture a run in the first inning, stealing third and scoring on a throwing error. After Spring Hill answered with a four-run second inning, the Choctaws battled back in the third. Shelby Samples delivered a two-RBI double to tie the game, and Megan Matheis followed with an RBI single to give MC a brief 4-4 deadlock.
Spring Hill regained control with five runs across the fourth and fifth innings. Mississippi College continued to chip away, plating single runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings, including an RBI single from Sarah Lee in the final frame, but the comeback fell short. Matheis led the Choctaws offensively, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, while Samples added two hits and two RBIs. Rodgers scored three runs and swiped two bases.
In the circle, Camryn Bailey took the loss after allowing nine runs across 4.2 innings, while Grace Wallis provided 1.1 innings of scoreless relief.
The Choctaws bounced back in game two behind a strong pitching performance from Reagan Rios. The right-hander tossed six innings, allowing just two runs on six hits to earn the win, improving to 5-4 on the season. Bailey closed the door in the seventh to secure her second save of the year.
After four scoreless innings, Mississippi College broke through in the fifth. Kate Rills lifted a sacrifice fly to bring home the game's first run before Kallee Nichols added another run on a Spring Hill error. Matheis extended the lead to 3-0 in the sixth with an RBI single.
Spring Hill cut into the deficit with a two-run home run in the sixth, but the Choctaw pitching staff held firm down the stretch. Despite being limited to just three hits, MC capitalized on defensive miscues and timely situational hitting to secure the victory.
Mississippi College returns to Gulf South Conference play this weekend, hosting Valdosta State in a three-game series beginning Saturday with a doubleheader set for 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., followed by a single game Sunday at 1 p.m.
