Softball Runs Through Spartanburg Methodist; Advances at 2026 Championships

Kingsport, Tennessee- After a long rain-delay and a slow start, the Brenau softball team finally found its stride with an 8-0 (six innings) rout of Spartanburg Methodist (S.C.) University in an elimination game at the 2026 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Softball Championships on Tuesday.

The Golden Tigers put the first run on the board in the third inning as Peyton Hawkins singled home junior Cayden Warren for a 1-0 lead. Brenau continued to add runs in the fourth inning as sophomore Emma Folds and senior Charlotte Smith added RBIs to increase the advantage to 3-0. 

In the fifth inning, Hawkins continued her strong day at the plate with a single to center field that scored junior Dayton Power and increased the lead to 4-0. Later in the inning, junior Ava Moon scored on a wild pitch and Folds singled home senior Whitney Hulsey to give the Golden Tigers a 6-0 lead. Brenau slammed the door in the bottom of the sixth inning when Moon singled up the middle to score Power to earn the win.  

Folds plated three to lead the squad, while Hawkins chipped in two RBIs. The Golden Tigers ran freely on the basepaths as Power, Hulsey, Folds, senior Riley Smith and sophomore Elizabeth Bowen all earned stolen bases in the game. 

Starting pitcher Riley Walker pitched a gem for the Golden Tigers with a complete game shutout. The freshman allowed only three hits and struck out six to help lead her team to the next round of the tournament. 

Brenau (28-16 overall) next takes on Reinhardt (Ga.) (23-10) at 1 pm on Wednesday in the single-elimination bracket. The Golden Tigers swept the Eagles in their doubleheader in the regular season.