DECATUR, Ala.-The Delta State University Lady Statesmen softball team split two games on the opening day of the Charger Chill Out in Decatur, Ala.

The DSU bats came to life in bats came to life early and often in game one, as they racked up 16 hits. The Lady Statesmen (5-1) raced out to a quick 3-0 lead in defeating Maryville (MO.) 12-3 in six innings.

The Saints (0-1) were playing in their first game of the season, and the Lady Statesmen took advantage. Five DSU players recorded multi-hit games, including Kim Hensley, who went 4-for-4. The senior catcher also drove in three runs in the win.

Courtney Clark also kept up her hot hitting, as she went 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Clark also smashed two doubles in the win.

Chelsea Carr also had a big day at the plate, as she went 2-for-3, with a pair of RBI doubles.

Edie Oliver (3-0) was nearly perfect in the circle. The senior pitcher was perfect going to the bottom of the fifth inning, before the Saints finally scratched the scoreboard. Oliver allowed only four hits and one earned run. She also struck out three Saints hitters as well.

Caitlin McClintock (0-1) took the loss for MU, as she allowed 12 runs on 16 hits in the game.


In game two, it was clear very early that the Lady Statesmen were in for a battle. Barry University (8-0) used two solid pitching performances in a 1-0 win over DSU.

The Lady Statesmen were only able to scratch out two hits in the contest, but left nine runners on base in the process.

A wild pitch from senior Kate Moreland with runners on second and third in the top of the second inning would be the only run Barry would need in the contest.

The Lady Statesmen had their most serious threat in the bottom of the second inning, as they loaded the bases, but Paula Mackin would strike out Krista Richard to end the threat.

Paige Silverthorn and Brittany Eikner recorded the only two hits of the game for the Lady Statesmen.

Moreland (1-1) was outstanding, as she allowed one run on four hits in the complete game loss.

Brianna Smith earned her first save of the season for the Buccaneers, as she pitched three scoreless innings.

Mackin (3-0) picked up the win. The freshman allowed both DSU hits in four innings of work.

The Lady Statesmen will return to action on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. as the will take on the University of Southern Indiana. The game will be broadcast on the Lady Statesmen Sports Network, beginning at 9:55 a.m.