ANDERSON, S.C.  — Anderson University (23-19, 8-10 SAC) and Mars Hill (21-19, 11-9 SAC) each picked up a win in South Atlantic Conference softball action Saturday, with the Trojans taking the opener 2-1 behind a complete game from Katie Morris, while the Lions responded with an 8-4 victory in the nightcap on Saturday afternoon at the AU Softball Complex.

In Game 1, Morris (12-8) tossed a seven-inning complete game, allowing one run on five hits while walking four and striking out three. Senior Maggie Nauck opened the scoring in the fifth with a solo home run while junior Jenna Davis followed with an RBI single to score sophomore Kadence Barrick, giving the Trojans a 2-0 lead.

Mars Hill (20-19, 10-9) cut the deficit in half in the sixth on a solo shot by Maia Sholter, but the Lions stranded five runners over the final three innings. Blythe Freeman (9-10) took the loss, giving up two earned runs on four hits with three walks over six innings.

Anderson turned two double plays and committed no errors in the win, while Nauck, Davis, junior Shelby Bandt, and senior Maddie Carpenter each recorded a hit.

In Game 2, the Lions erupted for four runs in both the third and fifth innings to build an 8-0 advantage before holding off a late Anderson rally. Brooke Hanson led the Mars Hill offense, going 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBI, while Farley Park finished a 4-for-4 with a run scored.

Tea Cornett (12-9) earned the win with four scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and striking out two. Rebekah Howard closed out the final three innings in relief.

The Black and Gold scored two runs in the fifth and added two more in the seventh. Junior Lauren Brakovec reached base four times and drove in a run, while Nauck and sophomore Paige Vickery each tallied two hits and an RBI. Freshman Caroline Morgan (4-4) took the loss after surrendering three earned runs in 2.2 innings.

Anderson returns to action on Tuesday when it travels to SAC opponent Catawba. First-pitch is slated for 1pm.