BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Hanover softball team dropped a doubleheader on Thursday afternoon to a strong Birmingham-Southern team, falling in game one 12-4 before dropping game two 4-1.
 
GAME ONE
Birmingham-Southern surged ahead quickly as they plated two runs in the bottom of the first inning before adding five runs in the second inning and two runs in the third inning, 9-0.
 
They would add another in the bottom of the fourth inning when the Panthers looked to rally. Freshman Dani Steward (Shelbyville, Ind.) plated Hanover's first run in the top of the fifth inning as she singled down the left field line scoring sophomore Alex Miller (Miamisburg), 10-1.
 
Hanover continued to rally as sophomore Carson Bennett (Batesville, Ind.) picked up a pair of RBI with a single up the middle that scored both junior Kensie Bradley (Greenfield, Ind.) and sophomore Ava Hilgenhold (Tell City, Ind.). Junior Kendra Hutchison (Lafayette, Ind.) provided the Panthers final run as she hit a shot to center field that cut the difference to 10-4.
 
However, Birmingham-Southern combated the attack and tacked on two more runs in the bottom half of the inning to secure the win.
 
GAME TWO
Again, Birmingham-Southern got off to a quick start scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning.
 
The Panthers lone bright spot came in the top of the third inning as the Birmingham-Southern first baseman looked to make a play on junior Katherine Dickinson (Francisco, Ind.) but fell unsuccessful, 4-1.
 
Hanover finished the game with one run on four hits and four runners left on base.
 
Hanover returns to the diamond on Tuesday, March 8 when they travel to Centre.