MACON, Ga. – The Samford softball team completed the series sweep over SoCon rival Mercer University with an 8-4 comeback victory in nine innings Sunday afternoon at Sikes Field.  
 
BOX SCORE: (PDF)
 
Four different Bulldogs recorded a multi-hit game with freshman Sarah Squillace leading the way with three hits in five at bats, while senior Kolby Holcombe and freshman Gwynnie Hornibrook both went yard to bring Samford's home run total to 17 this season. Freshman McKenzie Newcomb collected her 13th win in the circle, pitching 7.0 innings to go with no runs, two walks, and eight strikeouts in the extra-inning battle.
 
The Bulldogs faced their first deficit of the series early in the game, falling behind 4-0 after Mercer's Kenlie Harvey plated a run in the bottom of the third prior to the Bears driving in three more in the fourth. Samford eventually cut into Mercer's lead in the top of the fifth after senior Kolby Holcombe smacked a two-run home run, plating freshman Kedzie Howe on first. This marked Holcombe's second home run of the season and fourth of her career.
 
The Bulldog rally continued in the top of the six with freshman Gwynnie Hornibrook knotting the game at 4-4 after recording Samford's second two-run shot on the day. The Vestavia Hills, Ala., launched a ball out of left center on a 1-2 count with two outs on the board for her second-career home run.
 
Neither team was able to find a game-winning run in the seventh frame, leading to an extra-inning affair at Sikes Field. Samford would be shut down at the plate in the top of the eighth before the Bears found themselves with bases loaded and two outs on the board in the bottom half of the frame. Freshman pitcher McKenzie Newcomb kept her composure in the circle and struck out Sophie Summer swinging to get out of the jam and put the Bulldogs at the plate.
 
In the top of the ninth, freshman standout Sarah Squillace ripped one out to right field for her third hit on the day to score Kedzie Howe and Lindsey Nelson to put Samford in front 6-4. Two insurance runs were added just one play later with Mary Katherine Tedder registering a two RBI single of her own to increase the lead to 8-4. McKenzie Newcomb returned to the circle and held the Bears scoreless with one single, a ground out, and two strikeouts to sweep the series.
 
UP NEXT:
The Samford softball team will head across town to face the Blazers of UAB on Wednesday, April 6 at 6 p.m. for a midweek battle at Mary Bowers Field.
 
FOLLOW THE BULLDOGS:
For the latest news and information on Samford softball, visit the official website for Samford Athletics at SamfordSports.com. Fans can also follow the Bulldogs on social media at /SamfordSports (Facebook), @SamfordSB (Twitter), and @SamfordSB (Instagram).