CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Queens University of Charlotte softball team (7-23, 3-19 SAC) hosted Mars Hill University (12-20, 3-16 SAC) in a South Atlantic Conference doubleheader this afternoon, splitting the series with the Lions. Additionally,
Sabrina Martinez made Queens softball history breaking the career record for stolen bases which stood at 70. Martinez now has 72 stolen bases in her career.
Game one: Mars Hill 10 – Queens 2
Trailing 5-0 in the first inning of game one after the Lions recorded three hits to score five runs, the Royals got on the board in the second when Martinez singled down the left-field line before stealing second and third base. She then reached home plate when
Kasidi Staley reached first on a fielder's choice and advanced to second on an error by Mars Hill's shortstop.
Martinez and Staley paired up to score Queens' second run of the game as well. Much like in the bottom of the second, Martinez singled to left field and then stole second and third base to set a new stolen bases record at Queens. Staley then grounded out to Mars Hill's second baseman, but Martinez used her lightning speed to race home and score the run.
Following the historic moment, the Lions were able to widen the gap scoring four more runs in the top of the fifth to lead 9-2. A home run from Micki Maxson in the top of the seventh then gave the game its final score, 10-2.
Three Royals would find themselves in the pitching circle to total six strikeouts.
Kate Hunter recorded the loss, while Mars Hill's Emily Van Horn earned the win after pitching five innings and striking out five batters.
Game two: Queens 2 – Mars Hill 1
In game two, the Royals were able to break their 13-game skid scoring two runs in the bottom of the first after taking advantage of a throwing error by Mars Hill's catcher.
Queens' defense held strong allowing the Royals to hold the 2-0 lead until the fifth inning when the Lions were able to score their one run of the game.
Victoria Elder pitched all seven innings in game two to pick up the win. Kayla Gallagher of Mars Hill took the loss.
Queens will be back in action for the last game of the regular season on Saturday, April 17 at Anderson. The doubleheader will begin at 1 pm.
