KINGSPORT, Tenn. — CIU softball erased a five-run deficit Monday afternoon to defeat No. 9 seed Spartanburg Methodist 10-5 in the opening round of the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament at Brickyard Ball Fields.
Trailing 5-0 after the top of the third inning, the Rams stormed back with five runs in the fifth and five more in the sixth to complete the comeback and advance in the winner's bracket.
Raleigh Stewart earned the win in relief, tossing 4.1 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit after entering in the third inning. Isabella Davis started the contest for CIU.
The Rams began their rally in the fifth inning as Stewart drove in a run with an RBI single before Caydon Thompson plated two more with a single down the left-field line. Kami Meekins tied the game later in the inning by reaching on a fielder's choice that brought home two runs.
CIU broke the game open in the sixth. Thompson gave the Rams their first lead with an RBI fielder's choice before Gabriella Czuczuk ripped an RBI double to left. Two batters later, Meekins launched a three-run homer to left field to cap the five-run frame and put the Rams in front 10-5.
Meekins finished with four RBIs to lead the Rams offensively, while Thompson added three RBIs. Czuczuk went 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI, and Lilli Petty recorded three hits, including a pair of doubles.
With the win, CIU advances to face No. 1 seed Johnson University on Tuesday, April 28, at 3 p.m. ET.
