by Carter Moles

CLERMONT, Fla. - Eighth-seeded Faulkner (48-17) faltered 4-0 against a tremendous defensive effort from the ninth-seeded Freed-Hardeman (36-15) in its first game of the NAIA Softball World Series here at Legends Way Ball Fields this afternoon. 

The Lady Eagles defeated the Lady Lions 1-0 earlier this year in the Gulf Coast Invitational, but could not replicate the victory today in their first World Series appearance.

Freed-Hardeman wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, tallying two runs on two hits in the opening frame highlighted by a first-pitch triple from Caitlyn Carter.

The Lady Lions increased their lead to three runs when Hannah Wright laced an RBI double to left field in the fifth inning before Kaylyn Graham capped a two-out rally with an RBI single to right in the sixth.

Faulkner's best chance of the day came in the bottom of that same inning, but a bases-loaded, two-out pop fly retired the side. 

Caitlin Perry (23-6) started the game and surrendered three hits and three walks while striking out one batter in the two-inning loss. Both runs on her watch were unearned.

Emma Cornell gave up one earned run and three hits while collecting five strikeouts in five innings of relief work. 

Mallory Spurlock was stellar in the circle for Freed-Hardeman allowing just three hits and retiring nine batters in the shutout.

The Lady Eagles will battle the loser of the Science & Arts and Indiana Wesleyan matchup tomorrow morning in an effort to continue their historic run. That elimination contest is slated for 9 a.m. central.