WINTER PARK, Fla. – The undefeated #1 Auburn University at Montgomery Warhawks softball team (10-0) took down the Rollins College Tars (2-2) 4-3 in an extra innings battle before securing a 3-2 victory in game two, completing the sweep with a pair of one-run thrillers on Saturday afternoon.
 
COACH WILKES LANEY'S COMMENTS
"Today we had a post season type feel. We were challenged and had our backs against the Wall a few times, but we pushed back. Pitching came through in some really clutch moments, and we got some big-time hits. It's a great day to be a Warhawk."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Game #1 | AUM 4, Rollins 3
With AUM unable to score in the top of the first inning, Rollins picked up an early lead when Rachel Matthiesen hit a two-run homer over the left center field wall.
 
The Warhawks got on the board in the top of the second frame with Rebecca Komers kicking things off with a single to left field. Kennedy Sevcik followed with a base hit to set two runners on. A throwing error by Rollins' first basemen allowed both runners to advance, scoring Komers.
 
The Tars' Brooke Theisen sent a runner home with an RBI double in the bottom of the third inning, setting their lead back to two runs at 3-1.
 
Scoreless fourth and fifth innings brought the game to the top of the sixth where Karris Rhine drew a walk before stealing second base. A throwing error on the Tars' shortstop allowed Olivia Watkins to reach first base while advancing Rhine to third. As the next batter, Komers drew a walk to load the bases, setting the stage for Sevcik's two-RBI single. The orange and black's sixth inning surge tied the score at three runs apiece.
 
After both teams were retired in order in the seventh, the contest headed to the eighth inning. With the tiebreaker in effect, Chloe Baynes was placed at second to start the inning. Gabbi Barnowsky opened the inning with a single up the middle, placing runners on the corners. Barnowsky stole second base, setting up Rhine's RBI base hit to score Baynes.
 
Rollins was able to get out of the inning with just the one run allowed, however, they would need to make something happen in the bottom of the frame to stay alive.
 
A throwing error put runners on the corners, before a wild pitch put both runners in scoring position. The Tars stayed patient, drawing a walk to load the bases.
 
With the game on the line, Reese Cauley struck out three consecutive batters, leaving three runners on base while securing the tight 4-3 victory for the Warhawks in game one.
 
Game #1 Notables

• AUM's ninth game of the season ended their eight-game streak of scoring in the first inning.
• Reese Cauley improves to 6-0 on the season after pitching another complete game, striking out seven opposing batters, holding the Tars to a mere two walks, and allowing just three runs on six hits.
• Kennedy Sevcik led AUM's offense with two hits on three at-bats while bringing in a pair of RBI.
• Gabbi Barnowsky, Karris Rhine, and Rebecca Komers each tallied a hit, with Rhine and Komers crossing home plate themselves, and Barnowsky knocking home the game winning run.

 
Game #2 | AUM 3, Rollins 2
After a nail-biting game one, both teams came out strong in the second contest. With Chelisa Newsome in the circle for the Warhawks and Camila Leon-Blanco pitching for Rollins, the first two innings were 1-2-3 frames on both sides.

Chloe Hollon grabbed the first hit of the game in the top of the third inning, but the Warhawks were unable to get on the board.
 
A leadoff homer from the Tars' Madi Carr scored the first run of the game, giving Rollins a 1-0 lead after three innings.
 
The Warhawks responded dominantly the next chance they had, scoring three runs in the top of the fourth inning. Watkins led off with a base hit before Komers' bunt single advanced Watkins to second. Sevcik's well-placed sacrifice bunt set a pair of runners in scoring position. Ansley Watson took advantage of the opportunity, laying down a sacrifice bunt to score Watkins and tie up the score. The orange and black didn't stop there, Chloe Hollon launched a two RBI bomb down the left field line, giving AUM a 3-1 advantage.
 
Newsome retired the side in the bottom of the fifth inning, and the Warhawks were unable to add to their tally in the top of the sixth.
 
Rollins added one run in the bottom of the sixth, behind an RBI single from Theisen, cutting AUM's lead to 3-2 going into the seventh.
 
Watson grabbed a single in the top of the frame, but a Tars double play ended the half inning. Newsome struck out the first batter she faced in the bottom, and Rollins saw a single with two outs, however, a fly out to center field would end the game with the Warhawks on top, 3-2.
 
Game #2 Notables

• Chelisa Newsome improved to 3-0 on the season, tossing a complete game, striking out four, walking just one batter, and holding opponents to two runs on six hits.
• Chloe Hollon led the charge for the Warhawks, tallying two hits on three at-bats, a pair of RBI, a run, and the game winning two-run homer in the fourth frame.
• Rebecca Komers also went 2-for-3 at the plate.
• Olivia Watkins, Gabbi Barnowsky, and Ansley Watson each added a hit for the Warhawks.

 
UP NEXT
The Warhawks will host their home opener on Friday, February 20, facing their first GSC opponent, the West Alabama Tigers, at 5 p.m. at the AUM Softball Complex.

Purchase your tickets today!
 
 
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