Lynchburg, Va. -- The Lynchburg College softball team kicked off its season with two impressive wins in a doubleheader over Methodist, 12-4 and 11-1, Sunday at Liberty University.

The Hornets had a dominant offense all day as they combined for 26 hits scored.

Junior utility player Taylor Mabry (Bassett, Va.) had a career day as she drove in five runs across the two games and collected three extra base hits, including a home run in the opener. Senior second baseman Leslie Bourgeois (Bealeton, Va.) finished the day 6-for-6 and scored four runs while collecting three RBI.

Senior pitcher Conner English (Altavista, Va.) tossed a gem for the Hornets in the nightcap with four strong innings, allowing only three hits while striking out nine Methodist batters.

The Monarchs received a strong showing from third baseman Carleigh Haywood, who finished 3-for-6 with two runs driven in.

THE RUNDOWN

Game 1: Lynchburg 12, Methodist, 4 (5 inn.)

Game 2: Lynchburg 11, Methodist, 1 (5 inn.)

Records: Lynchburg 2-0, Methodist 1-7

Venue: Liberty Softball Stadium, Liberty University, Lynchburg Va.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Game 1

• Methodist's Taylor Wells kicked off the scoring with an RBI groundout to score Haywood in the top of the first.

• The Hornets answered quickly as they came back with four runs in the bottom of the frame, led by an RBI double from shortstop Kayla Hugate (Chesterfield, Va.).

• Mabry smashed a three-run homer during a six-run fourth inning for the Hornets as they cruised to a mercy-rule victory.

Game 2

• Lynchburg jumped out to an early 2-0 lead as Bourgeois smashed an RBI double in the first.

• Lynchburg broke the game open with a six-run fourth inning that featured six hits and two doubles.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Hornets will hit the road to Cary, N.C. and Rocky Mount, N.C., where they will take part in the Grand Slam Triangle Classic next weekend with games against Maryville, Averett, Wilson, and North Carolina Wesleyan.

--LC--