The Lindenwood softball team (5-1) clawed back into the win column on Sunday, adding two more wins to its season-opening tournament at the Music City Invitational in Smyrna, Tenn. The Lions dropped Findlay in the day's first contest, 8-2, before knocking off Trevecca in the finale, 7-2.
 
The Lion's 5-1 start to the 2022 season is their best since 2019. It was Lindenwood and Findlay's first meeting since February 24, 2017, while it was the Lions and host Trojans' first-ever contest.
 
GAME ONE OVERVIEW
Whitney Wendel fueled the Lions' attack on Sunday, doubling home Nicole Henson in the opening inning for her first of two knocks against the Oilers. Starter Marina Esparza shut down eight straight opponents over the early frames, as the Lions then plated seven runs across the third and fourth innings to lead 8-0.
 
Amanda Weyh and Megan Clark each knocked in a run during the team's four-run third, while Wendel sparked another three-run frame in the fourth with a single. Esparza struck out six over four innings, allowing just three hits. Sadie Levandowski toed the rubber over the final three innings, inducing seven groundouts.
 
Morgan Gersch led the team with three RBI despite not recording a single hit.
 
GAME ONE LEADERS
Henson (3-for-4, 3 R)
Wendel (2-for-3, 2 RBI, 2B)
Clark (1-for-3, 2 RBI)
Esparza (4.0 IP, 6 K)
 
GAME TWO OVERVIEW
After two-and-a-half scoreless innings to open the tournament finale, the Lions broke through with a pair of runs on a throwing error by Trevecca that scored Taylor Bushman and Whitney Kinser. Wendel then stayed hot at the dish, driving in Henson moments later to give Lindenwood a 3-0 cushion.
 
The Trojans would not go away quietly, however, chipping into their deficit with a run in their half of the fourth. The Lindenwood bats kept rolling in the fifth, as the team scored another four runs to lead 7-1. Irelynn West singled home Chloe Honchar, before Wendel and Weyh each picked up another RBI to give them two apiece for the contest.
 
Weyh went the distance, striking out six and allowing two runs over seven frames. The Mokena, Ill., product has now tossed two complete games this spring. Seven Lions tallied at least one hit in the win.
 
GAME TWO LEADERS
Bushman (1-for-4, 2 R, SB)
Wendel (2-for-3, 2 RBI, SB, R)
Weyh (7.0 IP, 6 K; 1-for-3, 2 RBI)
West (1-for-3, RBI, SB, R)
 
QUOTABLE
"I'm so proud of this team," said head coach Erin Brown. "They worked together all weekend and bounced back from a disappointing loss yesterday. Our pitchers were great at keeping batters off balance [and] our hitters had quality at-bats; they did a really great job making adjustments at the plate. It's a great start to our season."
 
UP NEXT
Lindenwood travels southeast once again next weekend, with six games on the docket in Owensboro, Ky. The Lions are set to play Ashland and Ohio Dominican in Friday's opening action at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., respectively.