Salkehatchie Silences Richard Bland in 1-0 Thriller; Earns Doubleheader Split

The USC Salkehatchie Indians split a hard-fought Monday doubleheader against Richard Bland College, headlined by a thrilling 1-0 shutout victory in the opening contest. While the Statesmen took the second game 15-2, the day was defined by Salkehatchie’s defensive grit.

"We really worked hard and put everything together in the first game to come out with a win," said Head Coach Ashleigh Anderson. "We struggled defensively and couldn't produce hits when we needed them in the second game.  We are still working to find the starting lineup, but we will get there as the season continues.  We can learn from today and work to be better in the next game.  Some games don't end the way you want them to.  It's going to be up to them how they respond to today."

Game 1: Salkehatchie 1, Richard Bland 0

The opener was a defensive clinic from start to finish. Breanna Hughey was the story of the game, pitching a 7-inning complete-game shutout. Hughey struck out four and silenced the Richard Bland bats, refusing to allow a single run across the plate.

"We have improved from where we started and a lot from last year.  The communication isn't completely there yet, and we need to be more aggressive in the box," Hughey said. "During the first game today, everyone was able to have fun and still play the game like they are supposed to.  Overall, it was a day to learn from our mistakes and celebrate at least one win."

The Indians’ defense backed up their pitcher with the play of the game in the 6th inning. With the lead hanging by a thread, Zoey Marshall delivered a literal game-saver from left field, firing a strike to home plate to gun down a Richard Bland runner attempting to score. The out preserved the 1-0 lead.

Offensively, the Indians played small ball to perfection:

• Kaegan King: 1-3, single, stolen base, and the game’s lone run.

• Vashti Williams: 1-1, reaching base twice via single and error.

• Madison Zayas: Executed a crucial sacrifice bunt to move runners.

• Shay Scott & Ashlyn Daisy: Both tallied singles and swiped bases to keep the pressure on.

Game 1: Salkehatchie Box Score Highlights

The following performance leaders guided the Indians to their 1-0 shutout victory over Richard Bland:

Player	Stat Line	Key Contribution
Breanna Hughey	7.0 IP, 0 R, 4 K	Complete game shutout; Winning Pitcher
Kaegan King	1-3, 1 Single, 1 SB	Scored the game-winning run
Zoey Marshall	1 Assist (LF to Home)	Game-saving throw in the 6th inning
Vashti Williams	1-1, 1 Single, 1 SB	Reached base in every plate appearance
Ashlyn Daisy	1-3, 1 Single, 1 SB	Constant threat on the base paths
Shay Scott	1-2, 1 Single, 1 SB	Contributed to the team's aggressive baserunning
Madison Zayas	1-2, 1 Single, 1 SAC	Executed key situational hitting

Game 2: Richard Bland 15, Salkehatchie 2

The second matchup proved more difficult as the Indians struggled to find their rhythm defensively. Despite the score, Salkehatchie saw flashes of offensive production. Mackenzie Berdan went 1-1 with a RBI double, while Emma Maynor added a single. Kadyn McPherson also contributed an RBI and reached base safely.

Game 2: Offensive Contributors

Player	Stat Line	Key Contribution
Mackenzie Berdan	1-1, 1 Double, 1 RBI	Accounted for the Indians' extra-base hit
Kadyn McPherson	0-0, 1 RBI, 1 SAC	Productive out to drive in a run
Emma Maynor	1-2, 1 Single	Consistent contact at the plate
Madison Zayas	0-1, 1 Run	Reached on an error and scored for Salkehatchie

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