BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Shepherd University dropped a doubleheader in softball action at King (Tenn.) University on Sunday. The Rams (1-3) dropped a 13-12 contest in game one and came up short on an 8-4 decision to the Tornado (10-6) in the nightcap.
Shepherd took a 1-0 lead in game one in the first inning as graduate student third baseman Nicole Purtell (Centreville, Va./Centreville) singled and later scored on an infield error.
King tied the game in the bottom of the frame as Jessica Campbell singled, moved to third on an error, and scored when she stole home.
King took a 4-1 lead in the second on a three-run homer by Erin Foster.
Shepherd plated four runs in the third with a two-run single by sophomore shortstop Lexi Clatterbuck (Front Royal, Va./Skyline) keying the rally.
King scored five runs in the third to take a 9-5 lead. Campbell hit a grand slam to highlight the scoring.
Shepherd cut the lead to 9-7 with a pair of runs in the fourth.
Shepherd scored five runs in the fifth to take a 12-9 advantage. A two-run double by junior pinch-hitter Olivia Reese (Ellicott City, Md./Centennial) keyed the rally.
The Tornado plated four runs on four hits in the sixth to rally for the win. Campbell singled home Peyton Day with the game-winner.
Purtell went 3-for-5 and senior outfielder Hannah Beeler (Greencastle, Pa./Greencastle-Antrim) added a 3-for-3 effort to lead a 17-hit attack for the Rams.
Campbell went 3-for-5 and Day added a 3-for-4 outing to lead the Tornado.
Savana Luper (2.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 K, 0 BB) (4-0) gained the win. Senior pitcher Katie Laing (Jefferson, Md./Brunswick) (3.1 IP, 5 H, 5 ER, 1 K, 2 BB) (0-2) took the loss for the Rams.
Shepherd took a 2-0 lead in the first inning of the nightcap. Purtell singled and later scored on a single by Clatterbuck. Senior outfielder Kylie Condon (Charles Town, W.Va./Washington) singled and later scored when Beeler reached on an error.
UNC Pembroke got a run in the first on an RBI-single by Foster
The Tornado scored six runs in the second with a two-run single by Day keying the scoring.
Shepherd cut the lead to 7-3 in the third when Clatterbuck reached on a walk and later scored on an error.
The Tornado added a run in the third behind an RBI-double by Foster.
Senior first baseman Cameron Davis (Ayden, N.C./South Central/UNC Pembroke) belted a solo blast in the fourth to complete the scoring.
Purtell went 3-for-4 to lead the Rams. Davis added a pair of hits.
Day, Foster, and Campbell each had two hits for King.
Luper (6.0 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 5 K, 3 BB) (5-0) gained the win for the Tornado. Freshman pitcher Abby McBride (Northeast, Md./Rising Sun) (1.1 IP, 5 H, 7 ER, 1 K, 3 BB) (0-1) took the loss for the Rams.
The Rams are slated to return to action on Sunday when they host Slippery Rock for a noon doubleheader.
