Johnson University Royals Clinch AAC Conference Tournament Win Against Reinhardt Eagles
In an absolute battle, the Johnson University Royals women's softball team secured a significant victory over the Reinhardt Eagles. The game, held at Brickyard Park in Kingsport, Tenn., ended with the Royals outpacing the Eagles in extra innings with a final score of 8-3 in the AAC Conference tournament. The Royals' success was highlighted by impressive performances across the board. Lindy Webber, the starting pitcher, completed the game with an extraordinary 11 strikeouts, keeping the Eagles at bay and enabling Johnson University to maintain a competitive edge. Key contributions also came from S. Baldridge, A. Moorhouse, M. Thacker-W, M. Armstrong, K. Dyke, A. Caywood, and R. Burns, each adding to the scoreline in critical moments. A. Moorhouse stood out with multiple hits and stolen bases, showcasing her all-around capabilities. The game's momentum shifted dramatically in the 9th inning when Johnson University unleashed a scoring spree, hammering in 5 runs to secure the lead and eventually the win. RBI contributions from A. Caywood, who drove in three runs, alongside M. Thacker-W, R. Burns, E. Hampton, and A. Dickerson, were pivotal in building the run total that cemented the victory. Reflecting on the win, Lindy Webber remarked, 'It was a hard fought win, happy my team didn’t give up and kept fighting. It was a great TEAM win. That’s what makes this team great. We always play for each other and my teammates don’t quit.' Coach Dayna Carter in her fourth year leading the Royals added, 'To date, this is the biggest win in our short program history. It was a total roller coaster ride of a game. The girls stayed calm when they tied it up. No one panicked. We stayed loose and focused on the task at hand. I’m so proud of these girls.' The Johnson University Royals now set their sights on the next round, facing the winner of the Tennessee Wesleyan and Brenau game on May 1, 2025, in Kingsport, Tennessee. With a current record of 28-12, the Royals move one step closer to the programs first conference championship.
