Furman University’s softball team earned its first win under new head coach Mary Beth Dennison, splitting a home doubleheader against Bowling Green on Thursday night. The games marked the opening of the Purple & White Classic at Furman’s Pepsi Stadium.
In the first game, Bowling Green defeated Furman 17-8. The Falcons capitalized on 13 walks and 11 hits to score in four consecutive innings. Ashley Chevalier led Bowling Green’s offense with three hits and six runs batted in, while Cameron Kaufman and Kendall Mathews each hit home runs.
Bowling Green built an early lead, but Furman narrowed the gap in the third inning with a three-run homer by Kate Stoltzfus and an RBI double from Meghan Shirey. Despite Rachel Hawkins hitting a two-run homer for Furman in the sixth inning, Bowling Green responded with six more runs in the seventh to secure their victory.
Morgan Beckham was credited with the win for Bowling Green after pitching over three innings of relief. Alyvia Roth earned her first save of the season by ending a threat from Furman in the sixth inning. Jamison Noonan took the loss for Furman after allowing seven runs over less than three innings.
In game two, Kristyn Embler pitched a complete game to earn her first career win as Furman defeated Bowling Green 10-4. Embler allowed four runs on nine hits and struck out six batters over seven innings.
Sylvia Burroughs gave Furman an early lead with a two-run single in the first inning. After both teams traded leads through the second and third innings, Christina McCoy put Furman ahead for good with a three-run home run to right-center field in the third inning.
Furman’s offense continued to produce throughout the game, aided by Falcon errors and extra-base hits from Hawkins and McCoy. Katie Peeler added her third home run of the season late in the game to extend Furman’s lead.
McCoy finished with three hits and four RBIs, while Stoltzfus and Hawkins each collected two hits for Furman. For Bowling Green, Addie Martin and Mathews hit home runs, while Kaufman recorded three hits.
The Purple & White Classic will continue Friday with additional games starting at 11 a.m., including matchups between Lipscomb, Towson, and Bowling Green. On Saturday at 3 p.m., Furman is scheduled to face Lipscomb at Pepsi Stadium. Live statistics will be available online for all tournament games this weekend; Saturday’s finale between Furman and Lipscomb will also be streamed live on ESPN+.
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