Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

Game 1:  Box Score in HTML Format  |  Box Score in PDF Format
Game 2:  Box Score in HTML Format  |  Box Score in PDF Format

LaGRANGE, Ga. -- Sophomore third baseman Kristen Olsen drove in six runs to lead Christopher Newport (12-7, 4-1) in a doubleheader sweep of LaGrange (7-7, 2-4) in USA South softball action on Saturday. The Captains won the first game, 9-3, and followed it up with a 6-2 victory in game two. 

In game one, Christopher Newport jumped out to an early lead with eight runs in the first three innings. After a sacrifice fly by Kristina McLaughlin, senior Chelsea Mitchell hit a two-run home run to left center field for a 3-0 lead in the top of the first. LaGrange responded with two unearned runs in the bottom half to pull back within one, but CNU answered with five runs over the next two innings to pull away. 

The big inning would be the third, as two Panther pitchers walked the bases loaded. Then, with two outs, Olsen smoked a double to the left center field wall, clearing the bases. Rookie Meagan Jones added her second RBI single in as many innings to give the Captains an 8-2 lead after three. 

Senior Melanie Hazelwood would cruise the rest of the way, allowing just four hits in a complete game win. Hazelwood gave up just one earned run, striking out three for the Captains, improving to 4-1 this season. 

Her effort would be matched by her teammate Whitney Haller in game two. The Captains ace improved to 5-2 this season with a complete game win. After three innings, though, Haller found herself in a 1-0 hole after giving up a run-scoring single in the bottom of the third. 

The CNU offense kicked into gear in the fourth, though, and took the lead, 3-1. Olsen added an RBI single and was followed with a two-run pinch hit by Rachel Houff. In the fifth inning, Olsen led the way again, with a two-run double. With two outs, Chelsea Mitchell and Sabrina Hill walked to load the bases, followed by an RBI free pass for Kelsey Lewis. That would set up Olsen's double, capping the momentum-shifting run for CNU. 

CNU outhit LaGrange on the day, 13-11, including an 8-4 advantage in the opening game. Leading the way was Kristen Olsen, who had three hits with six runs batted in. Chelsea Mitchell scored three times and had the big blast in the first game. 

The Captains travel to Piedmont College on Sunday, March 17 to wrap up the conference swing in Georgia. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 1:00 pm.