Mars Hill, N.C. (Feb. 10, 2013) --- The Milligan College softball team came up short in their season opening doubleheader on Sunday afternoon as they fell in two games to NCAA D-II Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, N.C. The Buffaloes fell 6-1 in the day's opening game, and was unable to complete a late rally before rain and darkness fell as they fell 6-3 in game two.
 
   In the opening game, the Lady Lions jumped out to a 4-0 lead after two innings, and then extended their lead with two more runs in the sixth. The Buffaloes got ont the board in the top of the seventh when freshman Amanda Dunaway (Knoxville, Tenn.) drove Sarah Arrowood (Asheville, N.C.) across home plate. However, the Buffaloes were unable to cut into the deficit any further.
 
   Senior Camille Olvey (Maryville, Tenn.) was 2-for-3 batting, while Dunaway finished her first collegiate game 1-for-1 with a RBI. Jessica Connatser (Maryville, Tenn.) and Krista Lambdin (Knoxville, Tenn.) were 1-for-3 each.
 
   In the pitching circle, Chancli Connatser (Maryville, Tenn.) was handed the loss in a complete game performance. Connatser gave up five earned runs on seven hits and recorded three strikeouts.
 
   The second game saw Mars Hill jump out to an early 6-0 lead after one inning of play. The Buffaloes began a rally as Catherine McGinnis (Knoxville, Tenn.) drove in Samantha Lilley (Kingsport, Tenn.) and J. Connatser.
 
   Milligan added another run in the top side of the sixth inning when Abby Hughes (Rogersville, Tenn.) used a single to bring Chelsey Weaver (Louisville, Tenn.) across home plate. However, the Buffaloes were unable to continue the inning, and the game was called with an inning remaining due to rain and darkness.
 
   Weaver led the Buffaloes at the plate with a 2-for-3 performance, while freshman J. Connatser was 2-for-4. Samantha Mahala (Mountain City, Tenn.) and Arrowood was 1-for-2, while Maleah Wolfenbarger (Knoxville, Tenn.) finished the game 1-for-3.
 
   In the pitching circle, Megan Nicol (Surry, British Columbia) was handed the loss in just over two innings of work as she gave up six earned runs on nine hits. Mahala allowed just three hits with three strikeouts in two innings of relief work.
 
   The Buffaloes start the 2013 season 0-2.
 
   Milligan will return to action on Friday, Feb. 15, as they travel to NCAA D-II Brevard College. First pitch in the doubleheader is set for 1 p.m., in Brevard, N.C.