Timely Hitting, Strong Pitching Lift Pioneers Past Brevard

For the second straight day, the Spartanburg Methodist College softball team swept its opponent. On Saturday, the Pioneers defeated NCAA Division III member Brevard, 6-1 (Game 1) and 6-3 (Game 2), to improve to 4-0 on the season.

The formula for the doubleheader sweep was timely hitting and solid pitching in the circle. In the 6-1 game one victory, SMC starter Bailey Kiser struck out 11, right fielder Adriana Stump-Frias collected two hits, and third baseman Lydia Faulk drove in three runs.

SMC scored four times in the second inning — three coming on a bases-loaded single by Faulk — and added two more in the third on its way to the win. A solo home run by the Tornados spoiled Kiser's shutout bid. Kiser retired 14 of her final 18 batters to improve to 2-0.

Game two marked the first time this season the Pioneers played from behind. SMC tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the second and, after falling behind 3-2 in the third, responded with three runs to take control in a 6-3 victory.

Eight different Pioneers recorded a hit in the nightcap, including Faulk, who added two more RBIs to lead SMC. Kyla Quiles earned the win, pitching the final 4.1 innings of one-hit relief to improve to 2-0.

With the game tied at 3-3 in the third, Faulk doubled to right field to score Gracie Starnes and Adriana Stump-Frias, giving the Pioneers a 5-3 lead. SMC added an insurance run in the fourth on an RBI double by Jacie Ross to account for the final margin.

SMC will next travel to Winston-Salem, N.C., for a doubleheader Thursday, Feb. 19, against Carolina, with first pitch set for 1 p.m.

Post-Game Interviews with Lydia Faulk and Bailey Kiser