BEAUFORT, S.C. – Anderson University softball open its 2022 season on the road at nonconference opponent USC Beaufort, bouncing back from a game one defeat, 2-0, to take game two, 10-5, on Tuesday afternoon at the Richard Gray Softball Complex.

"Obviously disappointed in first loss, we had trouble hitting their pitching and we were not aggressive one bit," said head coach Tommy Hewitt. "We've got to swing with authority, if not we will have more of the same."

In the first ever meeting between the two schools, USC Beaufort took advantage of a rocky first inning by the Trojans. The Sand Sharks used a solo home run, a single and an error to produce the only two runs of the game.

USC Beaufort outhit the Trojans, 4-3, with seniors Kayson Boatner, Gracie Williams and junior Hope Gullatt picking up one hit apiece for the Trojans.

Senior Harlie Duncan (0-1) pitched a complete game six innings. Duncan struck out six batters, while walking two.

In game two, the Trojans jumped out to a, 7-0, lead after 2.5 innings of play. USC Beaufort was able to cut into the lead scoring three runs in the bottom of the third inning. Sophomore Hannah Whitaker's solo home run in the fourth inning pushed the score to 8-3. The Sand Sharks matched the solo run in their half of the fifth inning, before Anderson tacked on two more runs in the top of the sixth. The Sand Sharks added a run in the seventh to set the final score at, 10-5.

AU's Whitaker went 4-for-4 with a single, two doubles and a home run. Seniors Jessica Neadow, Williams and Boatner combined for seven of the 13 total team hits with Boatner matching Whitaker with two doubles for the Black and Gold.

Sophomore Laken Maxwell (1-0) picked up the win. Maxwell pitched seven innings, giving up seven hits and striking out four.

Anderson is scheduled to travel to nonconference opponent North Greenville on Friday. First-pitch is slated for 2pm.