BRISTOL, Tenn. — King University softball delivered another dramatic doubleheader on Friday, opening the afternoon with a thrilling 5–4 comeback win over West Liberty before mounting a furious seventh-inning rally against Malone that ultimately came up just short in a 5–3 defeat. The Tornado move to 6–4 on the season, continuing to showcase timely hitting, late-game poise, and strong performances from both the circle and the heart of the lineup.
GAME ONE: King 5, West Liberty 4
Kennedy Sets the Tone With a First-Inning Blast
King wasted no time lighting up the scoreboard. In the bottom of the first, Yuleesa Kennedy launched a three-run home run to left, scoring Aviah Bunsic and Giana Winge. The early jolt gave the Tornado a 3–0 lead and set the tone for a high-energy opener.
The long ball marked Kennedy's first homer of the season and continued her trend of delivering in big moments.
West Liberty Battles Back in the Fourth
West Liberty responded in the fourth inning, stringing together RBI singles from A. Tapman and S. Simon to cut the lead to 3–2. The Hilltoppers threatened again in the seventh, capitalizing on a defensive miscue to plate two unearned runs and take a 4–3 lead.
Suddenly, King found itself trailing for the first time all afternoon.
Tornado Walk It Off in the Seventh
The Tornado refused to fold.
With one out in the bottom of the seventh, Yuleesa Kennedy reached and later scored on a sacrifice fly from Aubrey King, tying the game at 4–4.
Moments later, Carlie Sheets stepped to the plate and crushed a solo home run to left, sending the dugout into celebration and sealing a dramatic 5–4 walk-off victory.
Pitching Duo Steady in the Circle
The pair combined for eight strikeouts and allowed just three hits.
Game One Offensive Highlights
GAME TWO: Malone 5, King 3
Pitchers' Duel Through Four
The second game opened as a tight, low-scoring battle. King starter Sophia Waters worked efficiently through four scoreless innings, scattering just a handful of hits while keeping Malone off balance.
But the Pioneers broke through in the fifth.
Malone Breaks It Open in the Fifth
A two-run double from L. Quarles put Malone ahead 2–0, and an RBI single from M. Cantrell extended the lead to 3–0.
King continued to put runners on base but couldn't break through against Malone starter M. Rose, who went the distance.
Pioneers Add Insurance in the Seventh
Malone added two more in the seventh on a bases-clearing double from Cantrell, pushing the lead to 5–0 and putting the Tornado in a deep late-inning hole.
Kennedy Sparks a Seventh-Inning Charge
Just like in Game One, King refused to go quietly.
With two on and one out, Yuleesa Kennedy delivered again — blasting her second home run of the day, a three-run shot to left that cut the deficit to 5–3 and brought the tying run to the plate.
King continued to threaten, but Rose induced a groundout to end the rally and secure the win for Malone.
Game Two Offensive Highlights
Pitching Notes
A Day Defined by Power, Pressure, and Resilience
Across both games, King showcased:
- Two home runs from Kennedy
- A walk-off blast from Sheets
- Ten hits in Game Two
- A combined 11 strikeouts from the pitching staff
- Multiple late-inning rallies
- Continued production from the top of the order
The Tornado once again demonstrated grit and competitive consistency as they continue to build momentum early in the season.
Up Next
King hits the road for a midweek doubleheader on Wednesday, Feb. 18, traveling to face Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn.
