GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - Southwestern University softball split its Wednesday doubleheader against Hanover College at Taylor-Sanders Field, narrowly dropping game one 7–6 before responding with a commanding 9–3 victory in game two. The Pirates showcased resilience throughout the day, rallying late in the opener and erupting offensively early in the nightcap to secure the split.

GAME 1 – Hanover 7, Southwestern 6

Hanover opened the scoring in the third inning, but Southwestern answered immediately as Daniella Clark singled to right field to bring home Mazlyn Heyer and even the game at 1–1.

The Panthers used a four-run fourth inning to take control, stringing together RBI hits to build a 4–1 advantage. Southwestern responded in the bottom half when Tara Archibald doubled to right field, scoring Aryana Dunkelberger and trimming the deficit to two runs.

Hanover added three runs in the sixth inning, capitalizing on timely hitting and a Pirate error to extend its lead to 7–2. Southwestern refused to go quietly, mounting a four-run rally in the bottom of the frame. RBI singles from Kaydence Garza, Calle Collier, Clark, and Sophia Ytuarte brought the Pirates within one, but Hanover held on to secure the 7–6 decision.

Mazlyn Heyer took the loss in the circle after allowing four runs across 3.2 innings with two strikeouts, while Kenzie Dees provided solid relief over the final 3.1 innings.

Game 1 Highlights

• Calle Collier went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base

• Daniella Clark recorded two hits and two RBIs

• Sophia Ytuarte added an RBI single off the bench

• Tara Archibald and Logan Kieselhorst each tallied doubles

• Southwestern totaled nine hits and scored six runs in the contest

Game 1 Notes

• The Pirates scored five of their six runs in the sixth inning

• Southwestern recorded stolen bases from Collier and Clark

• Dees kept Southwestern within striking distance with 3.1 innings of relief work

GAME 2 – Southwestern 9, Hanover 3

Southwestern wasted no time taking control in game two, exploding for six runs in the opening inning. Emery Bell lifted a sacrifice fly to score the first run before Allie Fields drew an RBI walk. Macey Gilman followed with a two-run single and later scored on a wild pitch, while Collier capped the inning with an RBI single to give the Pirates a 6–0 lead.

Hanover answered with a run in the second inning, but Southwestern continued to apply pressure in the third. Collier delivered another RBI single before Sophia Ytuarte doubled to right center, driving in two runs to extend the advantage to 9–1.

Hanover added runs in the fifth and sixth innings, but Jaden Wheeler controlled the game in the circle, tossing a complete-game performance to secure the win.

Game 2 Highlights

• Calle Collier finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored, two RBIs, and a stolen base

• Sophia Ytuarte collected two hits, including a two-run double

• Macey Gilman recorded two RBIs in the first inning surge

• Allie Fields reached base three times with an RBI and a stolen base

• Jaden Wheeler earned the win, striking out eight in a complete-game effort

Game 2 Notes

• Southwestern scored six runs in the first inning

• The Pirates drew seven walks and capitalized on early opportunities

• Wheeler struck out eight while allowing just three runs across seven innings

UP NEXT 

• The Pirates return to Taylor-Sanders Field on Friday, February 27, for a doubleheader against Willamette University. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. as Southwestern looks to build momentum at home.