MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Lindenwood softball (2-2, 0-0 OVC) split the second day of the 901 Classic Tournament in Memphis, Tenn. with a win over Rust College (0-4) and loss against the University of Memphis (4-0, 0-0 AAC).The Lions ended the opening weekend with a 2-2 record after their first non-conference tournament.

GAME ONE
Lindenwood - 21
Rust College - 1

Lindenwood's offense was on fire during Saturday's first game scoring 21 runs, tying their most runs scored in a game in program history (March 2020 vs. UHSP). The Lions scored 21 runs on 13 hits while being walked 13 times which marked the most walks in a single game in program history.

Danielle Franz in her first career start went 2-3 at the plate bringing home two runs while adding a double and three runs scored. Twelve different Lions posted a hit in the win including Anna Sanders who had an RBI triple. Nicole Henson and Madisen Noll also had a team-high three RBI each.

Lucy Pratt (W, 1-1) got her first win of the season on the mound after throwing the first two innings, allowing one run one four hits while striking out three. Samantha Roulanaitis pitched the final three innings allowing no hits, no runs and struck out five.

During the first inning of play, Lindenwood scored six runs one two hits, capitalizing on Rust's three errors. Dallis Darnell and Hanna Johanning had an RBI each in the inning as the Lions scored three of their runs on wild pitches.

After allowing a run in the second inning, Lindenwood's offense kept the gas going scoring three runs on three hits. Lauren Pelton had an RBI single up the middle and was followed by Frans with an two RBI single to right center field. Lindenwood led 10-1 after the third after Sanders added an RBI triple.

Lindenwood put the final touches on their second win of the second with 11 runs in the fourth inning. The Lions scored 11 runs on seven hits and have five different players post an RBI: Theresa Snaidauf (1), Henson (3), Noll (3), Teryn Brown (2) and Emily Geary (2). Roulanaitis closed out the game with a three-up three-down inning in the top of the fifth.

GAME TWO
Lindenwood - 2
Memphis - 5

Lindenwood's offense was held in check in game two scoring just two runs on five hits while leaving 12 runners stranded. Memphis scored five runs on six hits while adding three errors. Tori Hatton was the only Lion with multiple hits (2) while hitting her first home run of the season.

Hatton went 2-3 while adding two RBI and was hit by a pitch. Noll, Sanders and Darnell all had hits in the loss. Avery Wapp (L, 1-1) suffered the loss on the mound after throwing the first 4.2 innings allowing five runs (three earned) on six hits while striking out five. Ryleigh Owens closed out the game with a flawless 1.1 innings.

After the Lions stranded two runners in the first inning, Memphis added two RBI singles in the bottom half of the inning off Wapp to open up the game with a 2-0 lead. Both runs were unearned for Wapp after the Lions committed an error.

It was two scoreless innings for both teams before Memphis added another two runs in the bottom half of the fourth. They had two hits in the inning resulting in two runs. The Tigers also added one run in the fifth to increase their lead to 5-0.

Lindenwood had a chance to tie in the top of the seventh after Hatton got the Lions on the board with a two-run home run. Sanders and Darnell reached base with Joey Meyer up to bat but Memphis was able to get out of the inning to secure the win.

The Lions will return to action next weekend as they go to the Chattanooga Classic hosted in Tennessee. LU will take on Chattanooga and North Alabama for five games. For more information go to lindenwoodlions.com.