STATESBORO, GA. – In the Sun Belt opener, Appalachian State (11-6) captured its first conference win of the 2019 season on Thursday over Georgia Southern (13-8). In a 9-2 ballgame, the Mountaineers tied their season-best 13 hits.
With today's win, the Mountaineers break a 17-game losing streak dating back to May 2013 against the Georgia Southern Eagles. This is also the second time the program has won its Sun Belt opener since joining the league in 2014. Both instances occurred under the helm of head coach
Shelly Hoerner.
Eight of nine Mountaineers collected at least one hit in an impressive offensive performance.
Haley Stewart and
Sidney Russell each had two hits apiece.
Megan Walker went 4-4 with a double and three singles for two RBI, leading the Mountaineers. Walker earned herself a spot in the record book for her four hits, tying the highest number of hits in a single game for the Apps.
Baylee Morton threw out her fourth runner caught stealing this season, currently tied for third in the Sun Belt.
Kenzie Longanecker picked up the win for a 6-0 overall record in the circle for the Mountaineers. With only one walk, she limited the Eagles to two runs with five strikeouts in 93 pitches.
The Mountaineers, sponsored by AutoStar Nissan of Boone, take on the Eagles in game two of the series on Friday, March 8 at 3 p.m.
