RALEIGH, N. C. – The Messiah University softball team competed in the Grand Slam Triangle Classic on Saturday at William Peace University in Raleigh, N. C. The Falcons lost their first contest by a 7-1 decision opposite Meredith College, but bounced back with an afternoon win against Bethany College (W. V.), 4-0.

With the doubleheader split, Messiah's overall record stands at 5-5.

Methodist 7, Messiah 1

Lydia Collison, following a dominant start on Friday afternoon, made the start against Meredith in the first contest, striking out a total of three batters to up her season total to 22. Alexa Burger recorded her fourth multi-hit game of the season after contributing two of Messiah's five base hits in the loss.

Eliana Litwin, Paige Eakes, and McKenzie Shannon were the three other Falcons recording hits in the Game One defeat.

The Angels had a momentous fourth inning, scoring four runs on three key hits to separate themselves from Messiah. The loss was the Falcons' second-straight defeat, dropping their
overall record to 4-5 ahead of the clash with Bethany.

Messiah 4, Bethany 0

The Falcons, having lost two contests in a row, rebounded to top Bethany, 4-0, in the second game of the day. Hannah Dyer recorded a multi-hit game, notching two of Messiah's five total hits. Maggie Chinnadurai made the start in the circle, pitching a phenomenal game, not allowing a single run to cross the plate. The sophomore pitcher struck out four batters.

Chinnadurai earned the win for Messiah, her first win of the season to improve her record 1-3.

Messiah had a big offensive inning in the top of the sixth inning, starting the frame with three-consecutive base hits. The big hit came off the bat of Litiwn, lacing the Falcons' second extra-base hit of the game.

The top of the Falcons' lineup produced well, recording all of the hits in the contest.

What's Next
Messiah travels to Washington College (Md.) this Tuesday, Mar. 7, for a non-conference doubleheader beginning at 2:00 p.m.