HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College softball team opened its 2019 season on Friday at the Charger Chillout in Huntsville, Ala.  The Panthers fell to Mississippi College in a defensive game one battle before run-ruling Miles College in game two.

Game 1: Mississippi College 6 - KWC 4
The Panthers found themselves behind early as Mississippi College put four runs on the board in the top of the first inning including a three-run double with no outs.

Wesleyan responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning.  Meredith Daunhauer led off with a slap single then reached second on a single from Maddie Dawson and third on a passed ball.  Jaylin Tidwell drove in Daunhauer with a single to center field.  Lexie Mullen followed that up with a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Dawson.

With one on and two outs in the second, Jamie Tempel laid down a double in left scoring, scoring Andee Powell to cut the deficit to one.

The Choctaws responded with one run in the third and one run in the fifth to regain a three-run lead.  Tidwell knocked in one run in the bottom of the fifth for Wesleyan's fourth and final run.  The Panthers were unable to get a baserunner in the final two innings, falling 6-4.

Maci Brown went 6.0 innings on the mound, striking out two while giving up six runs.  Autumn Grady closed out the final inning, not allowing a base runner.

Daunhauer finished game one two-for-four at the plate while scoring two runs.  Tidwell went two-for-three while driving in two runs.

Game 2: KWC 14 – Miles College 2
The offense exploded in game two for the Panthers, defeating Miles College 14-2 in five innings of play.  Back-to-back doubles in the top of the first plated one run for the Panthers before Miles posted two runs in the bottom of the frame.

It was all Wesleyan from there, scoring 13 unanswered runs, including an 11-run fourth inning.  Tidwell and Mullen both were a perfect three-for-three at the plate in game two, both driving in two runs.  Tempel finished two-for-three with a grand slam.

Evyn Hendrickson picked up the win, throwing a complete game with three strike outs and six hits.

The Panthers will face Christian Brothers and Illinois Springfield on Saturday in day two of the Charger Chillout in Huntsville, Ala.

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