Lyner’s walk-off double lifts Point to split with CIU

WEST POINT, Ga. (March 29, 2022) – With two outs in the bottom of the seventh, Haley Lyner roped one to the left field fence, scoring Meagan Pildner and Brianna Plocharczyk to help the Point University softball win 4-3 in game two of Tuesday's Appalachian Athletic Conference doubleheader with Columbia International University.

The Skyhawks fell in game one of Tuesday's doubleheader 7-1.

Game one: Point- 1, CIU- 7

The Skyhawks got out to a slow start, as Point only connected for three hits in game one, while the Rams recorded 11. CIU scored in every inning except the third, taking a 2-0 lead before the Skyhawks made their way onto the scoreboard in the bottom of the second, following a sacrifice fly from Pildner that allowed Gabrielle Riley to score.

Point's three hits came from Lyner (1-for-3), Chelsea Parker (1-for-3) and Pildner (1-for-2, RBI). Mary Burnham suffered the loss, going 3.1 innings, giving up five hits, three runs (all earned), walking one and striking out one. Ashlynn Hamm came in for relief, going 3.2 innings, giving up six hits, four runs (three earned) and walking one.

Game two: Point- 4, CIU- 3

The Rams were poised to earn the sweep, as CIU entered the bottom of the seventh leading 3-1. With one out, Parker doubled down the left field line to help the Skyhawks get into scoring position. With two outs and Parker still on second, Pildner would double down the left field line to score Parker and bring the game within one run. Plocharczyk would reach base on balls to have runners on first and second, for Lyner to end the game with a 2-RBI walk-off to left field.

Point recorded three of their seven hits in the seventh inning and outhit the Rams 7-6. Pildner, Plocharczyk, Lyner, Asia Jones, Riley, Parker and McKensie Barnes each recorded a hit. Lyner accounted for two RBIs and Riley had one as she doubled to left center in the sixth to score Jones to help Point get their first run on the board.

Katelyn Jiles earned her seventh win of the season, as she went seven innings and gave up six hits, three runs (two earned), walked two and struck out five.

Season update

The Skyhawks are currently 23-13 (13-5 AAC) and have 10 games remaining in AAC play. The Skyhawks are now tied in fourth in the AAC.

Lyner is currently leading the team at the plate, batting .419 with 52 hits, 15 doubles, seven home runs, 39 RBIs and a .742 slugging percentage. Lyner is currently on an eight-game hitting streak and has gotten a hit in all but four games this season. Lyner is tied in second in the AAC with home runs.

Jones is also leading the Skyhawks at the plate, batting .420 with 50 hits, 11 doubles, 44 RBIs and a .555 slugging percentage. Jones is No. 1 in the AAC in RBIs and Lyner is No. 2. In conference play only, Lyner and Jones both have a .444 batting average with 28 hits apiece in 63 at bats.

Up next

The Skyhawks will be back in action on Saturday as they travel to face Milligan University at 1 & 3 p.m.