Behind a strong 11-hit outing in Game 1 that included a four-RBI performance from Mackenzie Hale at the plate, and a complete game four-hitter inside the circle from Shawnee State pitching ace Cassie Berry, the softball program at Shawnee State posted a 7-0 victory in the opening contest of a two-game set against the Midway Eagles' softball program to split a River States Conference doubleheader that was played Sunday afternoon in Midway, Ky.

Game 1 -- Shawnee State 7, Midway (Ky.) 0

In Sunday's opener, Shawnee State immediately struck the scoreboard first -- as the Bears, following a one-out single by Cassie Berry and a walk from Lauren Spears, got a two-RBI single back up the middle by Mackenzie Hale to gave Shawnee State a 2-0 lead after an inning of work. Ross County then made its dent on the scoreboard in the second frame, as a leadoff double by Zane Trace graduate Gracey McCullough was followed by an RBI single from Chillicothe Southeastern graduate Lexie Lockwood to push the Bears' advantage to a 3-0 margin after two innings complete.

The Bears then blew the contest open in the third frame of work -- as a leadoff double by Jenna Christopher and a sacrifice bunt by Berry was followed by an RBI double from Spears to score Christopher. Later in the inning, Mackenzie Hale followed with a two-out RBI double to score Spears, and McCullough posted an RBI single to score Hale, pushing the Shawnee State lead to a 6-0 margin after three innings of work.

With Berry -- who struck out six batters while walking just two in her complete game four-hitter -- staying in a consistent groove throughout Game 1, the Bears cruised home from there, with Hale adding in her fourth and final RBI of Game 1 by driving in Spears with an RBI single back up the middle of the diamond after Spears led off the fifth frame with a single and moved to second base on a sacrifice bunt.

Game 2 -- Midway (Ky.) 4, Shawnee State 1

The Bears, who trailed 4-0 after four innings of work, attempted to rally in the seventh frame -- as a one-out walk by Lexie Lockwood opened the door for Brittani Wolfenbarker to drive in Lockwood with a two-out RBI single in the top of the seventh, giving SSU an opportunity to potentially rally. However, Midway was able to take Game 2 as the Eagles' Alexia Hoskins was able to pick up the victory inside the circle, while Makayla McDowell worked the final third of the seventh inning to pick up the save.

Shawnee State was led by Wolfenbarker (1-for-3, RBI), Lockwood (1-for-3, walk, run scored), Christopher (1-for-4) and Mackenzie Hale (1-for-3, double) in Game 2. Sierra Dunnagan, Gracey McCullough and Allison Tom each drew a free pass in Game 2.

Additional

Shawnee State (22-6, 14-6 River States Conference) was led by Mackenzie Hale (4-for-7, two doubles, four RBI, run scored) and Brittani Wolfenbarker, Gracey McCullough and Lexie Lockwood who each combined to go 2-for-6 between both contests. The latter trio combined to post a double, three RBI and two runs scored between them.

The Bears will step out of River States Conference play briefly with a Tuesday afternoon doubleheader at Miami-Hamilton, which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 9. The first game of that two-game set begins at 3 p.m. in Hamilton, Ohio.

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