JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — King University softball faced one of the region's hottest teams on Saturday, falling 7–1 and 6–2 in a road doubleheader at Carson-Newman. The Tornado move to 8–6 on the season, while the Eagles improve to 11–1 after taking both games at The Vick.
GAME ONE: Carson-Newman 7, King 1
Eagles Strike Early and Add On
Carson-Newman used extra-base power to take control in the opener. A two-run triple in the second put the Eagles ahead 2–0, and a two-run homer in the fourth doubled the lead to 4–0.
King struggled to generate offense early, recording just one hit through the first five innings.
Kennedy Breaks Through in the Sixth
The Tornado broke the shutout in the sixth when Yuleesa Kennedy launched a solo home run to left, cutting the deficit to 4–1. It was her first homer of the season and provided a spark late in the game.
Carson-Newman Responds Immediately
The Eagles answered with three runs in the bottom half of the inning, using a pair of RBI singles and a fielder's choice to push the lead to 7–1, which held as the final.
Game One Highlights
King finished with four hits, while Kaylee Meeks worked 5.2 innings in the circle.
GAME TWO: Carson-Newman 6, King 2
Fast Start for the Tornado
King came out swinging in Game Two, scoring twice in the opening inning.
Giana Winge scored on a double from Kennedy, and Aviah Bunsic followed with an RBI single to make it 2–0.
The early momentum gave King its strongest start of the day.
Eagles Rally in the Third
Carson-Newman answered with two runs in the third, tying the game on back-to-back RBI singles. A third run scored on a single to left, giving the Eagles a 3–2 lead.
Late Surge Extends the Margin
The Eagles added three more in the sixth, highlighted by a two-run double and an RBI single, pushing the lead to 6–2. King put runners on in the seventh but couldn't mount a final rally.
Game Two Highlights
King totaled six hits in the second game, including three doubles.
A Day of Tough Matchups
Across the doubleheader, King showed:
- Strong early offense in Game Two
- Extra-base power from Kennedy, Luper, King, and Hughes
- Competitive innings against one of the region's top teams
- Continued growth from a young lineup facing elite pitching
The Tornado now turn their attention to a key home doubleheader next week.
Up Next
King returns home on Wednesday, February 25, hosting Emory & Henry for a doubleheader at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the King Softball Complex.
