The Appalachian State softball team completed a three-game weekend series with conference rival and SoCon leader Georgia Southern, and won their senior day matchup on Sunday.

In the first game of the Saturday doubleheader the Mountaineers lost a tough game with a score of 7-2. Georgia Southern came out of the gates hot and scored two runs in the top of the 1st and another in the top of the 2nd.

ASU then scored a run in the bottom of the second and third inning but could not muster anymore. GSU’s Sarah Purvis got her 16 win of the season with six innings struck out two. Senior catcher Michelle Lighton and junior outfielder Allie Cashion stood out for Appalachian, each with a homerun in the game.

In the second half of the doubleheader the song remained the same with GSU winning again 2-0. The Eagles started off hot again and scored their two runs in the first inning. Afterward the show belonged to GSU’s pitcher Allie Miles, who held the Mountaineers to only three hits in six and one-third innings of work. Senior pitcher Caitlin Wainwright pitched a gem as well, going seven innings and four strikeouts while only allowing three hits in relief for her sister Caroline.

The game on Sunday came with a lot of added pressure for the Mountaineers. Not only was it the last game against Georgia Southern, but it was also senior day for App. This time the Mountaineers were the ones starting off quickly, scoring two runs in the 1st inning. GSU came roaring back in the bottom of the third inning by scoring two runs to tie the game. The key moment in the game was Cashion hitting a homerun in the bottom of the fourth inning to straight away centerfield. Appalachian then held on to that lead, winning the game 3-2.

Senior shortstop Megan Rembielak was very happy with the games result.

“To keep our lead the whole game gives us more confidence to know we actually can do it,” Rembielak said. “It was just great to go out and play a great game and come out on top against the number one team in the conference.”

After the game the seniors were honored by receiving flowers and framed picture from coach Shae Wesley. The players that were honored were Michelle Gorzelle, Michelle Lighton, Brittany Pierce, Megan Rembielak, Caitlin Wainright and Lindsay Whitlock. Coach Wesley knew what the Sunday game meant for the players.

“ It’s always a big day when it is senior day and it’s even bigger when you are playing the number one team in the conference,” Wesley said. “ I cannot think of a better way to send our seniors out than with a win like today.”

The Mountaineers’ next series will be an away series against Tennessee Tech on April 25. The doubleheader series begins at 3 p.m.

Story: ETHAN JOYCE, Intern Sports Reporter
Photo: COURTNEY ROSKOS, Intern Photographer