Blue Mountain, Miss.- The Blue Mountain Christian University softball team faced another strong test Wednesday at the BMCU Sportsplex, splitting a doubleheader with Freed-Hardeman University as both programs entered the matchup receiving votes in the latest NAIA Coaches Poll. 
The Lions claimed game one 4-1 before the Toppers responded in dominant fashion with an 8-0 run-rule victory in five innings in the nightcap.
In game one, Freed-Hardeman used a quick start with two runs in the first inning to set the tone. The Toppers answered in the bottom half of the inning when Anna Harrison came around to score following Lion defensive pressure to cut the lead to 2-1. 
Despite keeping the game within reach early, the Lions were able to add single runs in the fourth and fifth innings to secure the 4-1 decision.
Mikaylah Fuqua led the Toppers offensively in the opener, finishing 2-for-3 at the plate. Harrison, Kelsey Camp, and Vaye Savage each added hits as Blue Mountain totaled five hits in the contest. 
Gail Wisher battled in the circle, throwing a complete game while working through seven innings against a tough Freed-Hardeman lineup.
Blue Mountain wasted little time bouncing back in game two. 
The Toppers plated two runs in the first inning to grab early momentum, then added another run in the second before extending the lead with two more in the third. 
Holding a comfortable advantage late, BMCU put the finishing touches on the game with a three-run fifth inning to secure the 8-0 run-rule victory.
Anna Harrison highlighted the offensive effort in game two with a strong 3-for-4 performance that included two RBIs and two runs scored. 
Laklyn Nichols added two hits and scored twice, while Neely Barrier drove in two runs. 
Aspen Teague, Mikaylah Fuqua, and Chloe Shelton also contributed RBIs as the Toppers produced nine hits and showed patience at the plate throughout the game.
Bri Langley turned in an outstanding performance in the circle in the second game, tossing a complete-game shutout over five innings. 
She limited the Lions to just two hits while keeping Freed-Hardeman off the scoreboard to earn the win.
Blue Mountain continues conference play this weekend as the Toppers look to build on the momentum from their strong performance in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader.
 
 
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