HENDERSON, Tenn. – The William Woods University softball team struggled to get any offense going on Saturday as they combined for five hits in the doubleheader against Freed-Hardeman University. The Owls were swept as they were defeated by Freed-Hardeman, 4-3 (8 inn) and 5-0 in game two.
 
WWU returns to action on Tuesday, March 21st when they host Stephens College in in American Midwest Conference action. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.
 
Game One
Game Flow
In the first game of the doubleheader, the Owls and the Lions offense had a difficult time stringing hits together, and the pitchers ruled the game by keeping a pace and not allowing any hits until the bottom of the fourth inning.
 
Lions Annaka Baxter hit a single and then executed advancing base runners with a bunt and an Owl mishap. Baxter scored putting the Lady Lions ahead, 1-0. The Lady Lions would add two more runs when Jenna Graham singled to second and then Makenzie Prince doubled and Graham scored on the next played ball, and Freed-Hardeman saw their lead grow to, 3-0.
 
The Owls would continue to fight until the top of the seventh when Beth Begemann reached on a walk, which sparked the offense. Lindsay Van Tress would reach on a Lady Lions error, advancing Begemann to third. Ari Arnold steped up and hit a double to deep right center, scoring Begemann and advanced Van Tress to third. Madison McCormick would then hit a single of her own, scoring Van Tress and Arnold would score on the throw, growing tying the game at 3-3.
 
A quick bottom of the seventh would lead the game into extra innings, with William Woods unable to score at their chance. The Lions would take advantage of the two walks given to the first two batters. With bases loaded, the Owls would be able to gather two outs, but another walk and a hit by pitch would allow another run to score, falling to the Lions, 4-3.
 
By the Numbers
2 – WWU collected two hits in the first game of the doubleheader
2 – The Owls scored three runs in the seventh inning tying the game
1 – Ari Arnold and Madison McCormick collected one hit in the contest
1 – WWU drew one walk in the contest
2 – William Woods committed two errors in the contest
 
Starting Pitcher Lines
WWU – Allison Waskow, 7.2 IP, 5H, 4R (3ER), 6BBs, 2Ks
FHU – Makenzie Prince, 7 IP, 2H, 3R (0ER), 1BBs, 5Ks
 
Game Two
Game Flow
The Owls came out in the first inning with two hitters reached on walks. Both runners advanced a base after a fielder's choice where the Lady Lions did not record an out. However, with the bases loaded the Owls could not get a run across as the next three hitters were struck out.

The Lady Lions would answer with two back to back singles in the bottom of the first inning. The second single drove home the first run of the game and the Owls found themselves down, 1-0.

It would then turn into a pitcher's duel, as nobody allowed any runs, until the bottom of the sixth inning.
The Owls would threaten in the top of the fifth when Amanda Bouchey doubled with two outs, but the Owls were unable to string anymore hits together to score.

It would not be until the bottom of the sixth when the Lady Lions would come up and score four runs with two doubles, a single and a sacrifice bunt. The Owls would not be able to get past the Lions defense, ultimately falling to the Lions, 5-0.

By the Numbers
3 – WWU collected three hits in the contest
2 – The Owls committed two errors in the contest
1 – Owls pitching combined for just one strikeout in the contest
1 – Amanda Bouchey hit one double in the contest
3 – William Woods had three players collected a hit
 
Starting Pitcher Lines
WWU – Madison Ausfahl, 5.2 IP, 12H, 5R (4ER), 3BBs, 1K
FHU – Mallory Spurlock, 7IP, 3H, 0R (0ER), 3BBs, 5Ks