Meridian, Miss. — The Meridian Community College Lady Eagles softball team split Saturday's doubleheader with Mississippi Delta, falling 4-2 in the opener before roaring back with a dominant 12-4 run-rule victory in game two. The Lady Eagles now sit at 19-18 overall and 4-6 in conference play.

Prior to game one, Meridian hosted Military Appreciation Day at Tommy McDonald Field. Throwing out the ceremonial first pitch was Sergeant First Class Kevin Miller from Indianola, Mississippi. The Color Guard from NAS Meridian would present the colors while Lauderdale County's Miss Hospitality Rylee Haley performed the Star-Spangled Banner. 

Late Runs Propel Lady Trojans Past Meridian

In game one, Raegan King provided the spark for MCC with a solo home run in the second inning. Pitcher Julie Amacher turned in a strong start, striking out seven and allowing just one earned run over six and a third innings. However, late runs by Mississippi Delta in the seventh inning lifted the Lady Trojans to the 4-2 win.

Huge First Inning Sets Tone

The Lady Eagles bounced back in a big way in game two, exploding for eight runs in the first inning and never looking back. Freshman Rylee Turner led the charge with a stellar performance at the plate, driving in five runs on four hits, including a three-run home run in the opening frame and a pair of doubles.

Allie Loftin, Dakota Haynsworth, and RaMiyah Price each collected multiple hits for MCC in the win. Haynsworth also picked up the victory in the circle, allowing four runs on five hits while striking out two in five innings of work.

The Lady Eagles return to action on Tuesday, March 25, hosting top-ranked Jones College in a conference matchup. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Tommy McDonald Field.

Prior to the game, MCC will hold a special ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Citizens National Bank Complex at 2 p.m. The public is invited to attend and celebrate this exciting new addition to the MCC softball program.