GREENSBURG, Ky. – The Lindsey Wilson softball team split its series-opening doubleheader with Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) on Friday afternoon at Green County American Legion Park.

The Blue Raiders fended off a late rally by the Lions to win game one before dropping a heart-breaker in extra-innings in game two.

Atavya Fowler led the offense with four hits, including two for extra bases, while Kaiden Rodgers, Brylee Pickerell, and Natalie Wandrie each produced three hits.

 
Game One | Lindsey Wilson 5, Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) 4

A five-run advantage proved just enough to clinch a win for the Blue Raiders.

The scoring opened early in the first frame when Pickerell sent her second home run of the season to left-center field, plating Nora Epley, as well, to push the designated home team ahead 2-0.

Two innings later, Pickerell reached on a walk, followed by consecutive base-hits by Rodgers, Kendall Dailey, and Wandrie to swiftly extend the lead and double the score to 4-0.

In the bottom of the sixth frame, with one out on the board, Fowler delivered the ultimate winning-run on a solo blast to left field, her fourth home run of the season.

From there, it came down to Kayden Murray, Grace Adams, and the Blue Raider defense to fight off a last-ditch effort by the Lions.

Despite Freed-Hardeman trimming Lindsey Wilson's advantage down to one run, a double play from Rodgers to Pickerell at second base, and then to Dailey at first base sealed the deal.

Murray collected her eighth victory of the season after dealing 7.0 innings and allowing one earned run on five hits. She also recorded five strikeouts to move her over 100 for the season.

 
Game Two | Lindsey Wilson 1, Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) 2 (9 Innings)

The Blue Raiders went to extra innings for the second time this year in Friday's nightcap and, unfortunately, met the same result as the first instance.

Tied at 1-1 entering the ninth inning, the Lions grabbed the go-ahead run on a solo home run. The next half-inning, Epley and Pickerell each singled and eventually ended up on opposite corners with two outs. Freed-Hardeman got the last word, however, and picked up the final out on strikes.

Game two did not take long to become a pitcher's duel, as K'Asia Palmer and Hallie Roberts each worked over four innings of solid softball for the Blue Raiders.

The Lions went on to take a 1-0 lead in the third inning, then Fowler punched home Epley on an RBI-double in the fifth frame to knot the score at 1-1. Pitching and defense took over before until Freed-Hardeman broke through in the ninth.

Palmer dealt 4.2 innings and surrendered one earned run on five hits with one strikeout, and Roberts pitched 4.1 innings, also giving up one earned run on two hits to go along with three strikeouts.

 
Lindsey Wilson and Freed-Hardeman close their series at 11 a.m. CST on Tuesday, April 8 at Green County American Legion Park in Greensburg.