LADY RAIDERS OUTSCORE OPPONENTS 55-4 IN WEEKEND SERIES SWEEPS

Emma MacTavish struck out 11 in a five-inning shutout and the Lady Raiders exploded for 15 runs on 15 hits to cap a perfect weekend with a 15-0 victory over Columbia State on Sunday, March 1, completing sweeps of two TCCAA series against Jackson State and Columbia State.

Roane State dominated from the mound and at the plate across four mercy-rule wins, outscoring opponents 55-4 while allowing just 11 hits total. Roane State took out Jackson State 18-2 and 12-0 on Saturday before defeating Columbia State 15-0 and 10-2 the following day at home.

MacTavish, the TCCAA Pitcher of the Week, was nearly untouchable in the weekend finale, surrendering only two singles in the no-walk gem. The sophomore right-hander set the tone early as Roane State erupted for eight runs in the first inning.

"We have to keep doing the things that we do and not worry about the things that our opponents do," Roane State Head Coach Marty McDaniel said after the Jackson series, emphasizing incremental improvement. "We're still in the phase of getting better and better. That's why we're focused on getting 1% better every day."

Against Jackson State in Saturday's opener, MacTavish earned the win with six strikeouts over three innings, allowing one run on two hits. Presley McLean closed with two innings of relief for her first save, giving up one run.

The Lady Raiders' bats overwhelmed in the 18-2 rout, tallying 18 hits and 17 RBIs. Catcher Emilee Hawkes starred, going 4-for-4 with three doubles and seven RBIs. Third baseman Paisley Campbell homered and drove in two, while left fielder Lizzi Lowe doubled and added three RBIs. Shortstop Alea Hensley contributed three RBIs on two hits, including a stolen base.

"I thought Emma kept her poise together and pitched well," McDaniel said. "She gave up a couple of hits and bounced right back. Then, Pressley came in and did a good job of doing what she does best. It was a good combination."

The offense continued to execute despite facing four different pitchers, exploding for 15 runs in the third inning alone. "We made the right adjustments early," McDaniel added. "We talked about it yesterday at practice, just making adjustments on pitches and all that, and they did a very good job. We saw four different pitchers and made the right adjustments on all of them."

In Game 2 against Jackson, freshman Zoey Cranford delivered three shutout innings with three strikeouts and four walks, improving to 2-1. Bree McKamey earned the save with two scoreless frames as Roane State cruised 12-0 on 11 hits.

Hawkes homered again, finishing 2-for-3 with three RBIs to continue her tear. First baseman MJ Kilby homered and drove in two, while center fielder Cyla Swafford doubled, scored twice and added an RBI. Kaliyah Lucas doubled and drove in two, showcasing the speed McDaniel praised.

"She's been tearing it up," McDaniel said of Hawkes. "The ball must look like a beach ball to her. She's been making very good adjustments on everything. We talked a little bit about some adjustments last week, and she's really doing good being on time now."

The baserunning shone for the Lady Raiders also, with Lowe stealing a base and Swafford swiping one. "I thought the speed game looked really good," McDaniel said. "I thought Lizzy and Kyla and Kaliyah did very good. When we get them on base, they're fun to watch."

Sunday's opener against Columbia mirrored the dominance. MacTavish's 11-strikeout shutout backed a 15-hit barrage. Hawkes homered and drove in two, Campbell homered with two RBIs, and Lucas homered with four RBIs. Right fielder Marah Yeo went 3-for-3 with an RBI, while Kylee Hitson added two RBIs.

In the 10-2 finale, Cranford (3-1) tossed three shutout innings, allowing three hits with three strikeouts. McKamey and McLean combined for relief, yielding two runs. Zoey Cranford doubled and drove in three at the plate, Hawkes doubled with two RBIs, and Yeo stole three bases while adding two RBIs.

The Lady Raiders are now top-ranked in the conference with a 4-0 record. They will be back on their home field in Harriman this Saturday, March 7, for a non-conference doubleheader with Northeast Alabama Community College. The games are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. ET.