SMYRNA, Tenn. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College softball team started the 2026 season with a come from behind victory over Quincy University on Friday afternoon.
Chloe Apple drove in five runs in the opener and the Panthers scored three times in the top of the seventh to pick-up a 7-6 non-conference win at the Music City Invitational. In the second game, the Hawks got redemption by defeating the Panthers 15-6.
GAME 1: Kentucky Wesleyan 7, Quincy 6
In the top of the first, a fielding error set the table for Apple, who drove in two with a single up the middle. The Panthers' lead was quickly erased as the Hawks scored three runs in the bottom half of the inning to take a 3-2 lead. The lead grew to 5-2 after two frames, but Wesleyan got back into the mix with a two run third inning.
After a lead-off walk by
Paige Crain and a single by
Kennedy Matheis put runners on the corners, Apple cleared the bags with a double to left field. Quincy answered with a run in the bottom of the third and held a 6-4 lead until the seventh inning. The seventh started with a lead-off single from
Bailey Markus, who moved to second on a wild pitch, then third on a ground-out. Matheis got the Panthers within one as she ripped a double down the left field line.
Apple followed with another double that tied the game.
Hannah Beasley later stepped to the plate with two outs and a runner on second. Her single drove-in the go-ahead run, giving the Panthers a 7-6 lead. The Hawks went quietly in the seventh to end the game.
Apple was three for four with two doubles and five RBIs. Markus and Matheis each finished the game with two hits.
Riley Cunningham earned her first win of the season after a complete game, allowing six runs on five hits with six strikeouts.
GAME 2: Quincy 15, Kentucky Wesleyan 6
After a scoreless first inning, the Panthers carved themselves into trouble with free bases. Walks prolonged the second inning and Quincy scored seven runs. Wesleyan bounced back in the bottom half with five runs.
Abby Cunningham started the rally with an RBI double that scored Apple, who led the frame off with a single. The big knock in the frame came from
Lauren Pellerito, who cleared the bases with a three-run triple into left-center field.
In the top of the third, the Hawks added four more runs to take an 11-5 lead. QU added a run in the fourth and three in the fifth to win 15-6. Apple finished the game two for three with while Beasley went two for two.
The Panthers will continue at the MCI on Saturday with two more games. Wesleyan will play Indianapolis and Trevecca. First pitch is scheduled for 10:30 AM.
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