Softball | 3/8/2014 8:19:00 PM

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- The Methodist softball lost both ends of its doubleheader against No. 14 Piedmont on Saturday afternoon. Game scores were 10-0 and 10-1, respectively, at Monarch Field.
 
To begin the day, the Lions broke open a one-run game (1-0) as they scored eight more runs in the third and fourth innings combined to go ahead 9-0.
 
In the third, Abby Atkinson hit a leadoff single, and Allison Vaughn drove her in with an RBI triple (2-0). Two batters later, Vaughn crossed the plate on a Jordin Ellingson double (3-0).
 
Already leading 5-0, the Lions tacked on four additional runs with two outs in the fifth, and triggered the mercy rule in the fifth to claim the opener, 10-0.
 
Natalie High went 2-for-2 with a double for Methodist, which finished with three base hits. Brittany Miller took the loss in the pitching circle as she went 3.2 innings and gave up eight hits and eight runs.
 
Vaughn batted 3-for-4 with a double, triple, two RBI and two runs scored for Piedmont. Ellingson earned the victory for Piedmont and also went 2-for-3 at the plate.
 
The Monarchs (3-12, 0-4 USA South) held a 1-0 lead going after two innings in the nightcap as Tanya Van Dyk crossed the plate for Methodist in the second.
 
Over the next three frames, however, the Lions (12-2, 6-0 USA South) scored 10 runs to once again set into effect the mercy rule.
 
Game two starter Emily Hester was saddled with the loss for Methodist, and lasted 3.1 innings and gave up four hits, five runs and three walks. She struck out two.
 
Ellingson went 2-for-3 with two RBI for Piedmont, and Brittany Head claimed the win in the pitcher's circle. She threw 4.0 innings and gave up five hits and one run.
 
The Monarchs travel to Rocky Mount, N.C., for their next two games on Wednesday against N.C. Wesleyan. First pitch of game one is set for 2:00 pm.