LYNCHBURG, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg softball team opened the 2026 season in impressive fashion Saturday afternoon, sweeping Methodist in a home doubleheader at Moon Field. Behind timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and two strong performances in the circle, the Hornets moved to 2-0 on the young season with 4-1 and 7-1 victories.
Game One – Lynchburg 4, Methodist 1
Lynchburg broke through in the third inning and never looked back in the opener.
Alyssa Talayumptewa started the rally with an RBI single to center, and Hailey Schildt followed with a two-run single later in the frame to give the Hornets a 3-0 advantage. Watts grounded out in the sixth to bring home an insurance run and extend the lead to 4-0.
Several new faces made immediate contributions at the plate. Talayumptewa finished 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, while Alex Love collected two hits and crossed the plate once. Schildt added a pair of RBI as part of a balanced nine-hit attack.
In the circle, Kate Charlton delivered a composed season debut, tossing a complete game. The right-hander scattered six hits, allowed just one unearned run, and struck out four over seven innings of work to secure the win.
Game Two – Lynchburg 7, Methodist 1
The Hornets wasted little time in the nightcap, erupting for three runs in the bottom of the first to seize control.
Helen Maddux opened the scoring with an RBI sacrifice fly before Sarah Watts and Talayumptewa each stole home in a display of aggressive baserunning. Lynchburg added another run in the third and broke the game open in the fourth, highlighted by a two-run home run from Schildt to push the lead to 7-1.
Love and Watts each tallied two hits, while Schildt drove in two runs and Bryanna Orange and Sydney Bryant also recorded multi-hit efforts. Watts and Love combined for three of Lynchburg's four doubles in the contest.
Chase Hartford earned the win in the circle, allowing just one run on four hits across 6.2 innings. The newcomer struck out three and worked efficiently to keep Methodist from generating sustained offense.
Across the doubleheader, Lynchburg received contributions throughout the lineup, showcasing both depth and versatility in its season debut. With a blend of returning leadership and impactful newcomers, the Hornets set an early tone heading into the remainder of non-conference play.
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