Royals Battle Through Adversity, Split Saturday Doubleheader to Cap Challenging Weekend

GAINESVILLE, GA– The Johnson softball team endured a tough road weekend, dropping three out of four games in a pair of doubleheaders against AAC opponents Truett-McConnell and Brenau. The Royals (21-8, 16-4 AAC) came up just short in a pair of one-run games Friday before bouncing back to earn a hard-fought split on Saturday.

Friday Recap – At Truett McConnell
In the opener, Johnson fell 4-3 despite a late rally. Audrey Moorhouse and Autumn Caywood led the Royals with multi-hit performances, and Megan Armstrong delivered a clutch RBI double in the seventh, but the Bears managed to hold on.

Game two followed a similar script, as the Royals again lost by one run, 3-2. Strong pitching from Alyssa Nicely kept the game close, but the offense couldn't fully capitalize on scoring opportunities. Kaylee Dyke drove in both runs, including one in the sixth to narrow the gap, but the comeback fell short.

Saturday Recap – At Brenau
Game one against Brenau saw the Royals fall 8-2 as the Golden Tigers struck early and often. Autumn Caywood provided the lone highlight with a two-run home run in the sixth inning, her fifth of the season.

However, the Royals showed resilience in the second game. Johnson exploded for five runs in the first inning and never trailed, holding off a late Brenau surge to earn a 9-7 win. Madisyn Thacker-Wolfe and Ella Hampton combined for six hits, while Megan Armstrong added a pair of doubles and two RBIs. Freshman pitcher Alyssa Nicely tossed a complete game and navigated Brenau's 12-hit effort.

Coach's Take
"It was a tough weekend but we ended it with a win," said head coach Dayna Carter. "We fought through a lot of adversity this weekend and it will only make us stronger in the long run."

The Royals head to Tennessee Wesleyan on Thursday for another AAC matchup as they look to build on Saturday's momentum.