Softball Sweeps Cleveland State, Improves to 9-8
Decatur, AL – Calhoun softball protected home turf Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 24, sweeping Cleveland State in a doubleheader with a 10-6 victory in Game 1 and an 8-1 win in Game 2.
The sweep gives the Warhawks momentum as they head into a busy stretch with six more games on the schedule this week.
Game 1 – Calhoun 10, Cleveland State 6
Cleveland State struck first, plating three runs in the top of the first to put the Warhawks on their heels early.
Calhoun answered immediately, and emphatically.
The Warhawks opened the bottom half of the inning with three consecutive triples and erupted for seven runs to reclaim a 7-3 advantage they would not surrender.
Addison Mikel led the way offensively, going 3-for-4 with a triple, three runs scored, and an RBI. Tabitha Frazier and Keeli Mullins each added triples of their own, while Addison Wallace collected two hits, including a double. Tessa Jacobs drove in two runs on a pair of hits, and Madison Allen added an RBI via a sacrifice fly.
In the circle, Emellie Hamilton earned the win, tossing 4.1 innings and allowing three earned runs while striking out two. Kaylee Williams shut the door with 2.2 scoreless innings in relief, striking out three to earn the save.
Game 2 – Calhoun 8, Cleveland State 1
The encore unfolded at a slower pace, with both teams locked in a tight contest early.
Calhoun broke through in the bottom of the second behind timely singles and Cougar miscues. The Warhawks extended the lead in the fourth when Madison Allen tripled and later scored on a Tessa Jacobs RBI, pushing the advantage to 2-0.
Cleveland State trimmed the margin to 2-1 in the top of the sixth, but Calhoun responded with a decisive six-run bottom half to put the game out of reach.
Madison Allen finished 2-for-3 with a triple and three runs scored. Addison Mikel stayed hot at the plate with a 3-for-3 performance, while Tabitha Frazier and Tessa Jacobs each drove in two runs. Missey French also batted in a run for the Warhawks.
Addilee Wilson delivered a complete-game performance in the circle, allowing just one run on seven hits while striking out six to secure the win.
After the sweep, Head Coach Denton Bowling highlighted both the positives and areas for growth. "I thought we swung it really well today and put consistent pressure on them," Bowling said. "There's a lot to like from these two wins, especially with how busy this week is going to be. But we still have to clean some things up, our baserunning decisions and the unforced mistakes can't creep in. If we stay sharp and keep building on the positives, we'll be in a good spot moving forward."
Calhoun will return on Wednesday, Feb. 25, when they host John A. Logan for a doubleheader starting at noon.