MARS HILL, N.C. | Young Harris College recorded a pair of shutouts - 2-0 and 6-0 - to sweep a non-conference softball doubleheader from Mars Hill University Wednesday (March 8) afternoon at Ponder Field.

The Mountain Lions improved to 16-4, while the Lions slipped to 6-14. Young Harris travels to Montgomery, Alabama, for a 1 p.m. Central time doubleheader Saturday (March 11) against Auburn University at Montgomery.

Jeanie Perrucci scattered six hits and struck out eight in the opener to improved to 8-1. Nikkie Kovalsky earned her first save by retiring the final two batters to preserve the win. Kovalsky tossed a one-hit, seven-strikeout shutout in the in nightcap. Kovalsky improved to 8-3 as she only allowed one runner past second.

Young Harris took a 1-0 lead in the opener on Hannah Harrison's first inning RBI double to right field off MHU starter Sydney Elkin (2-4). The Mountain Lions added an insurance run in the fourth on a bases-loaded walk to Chandler Stooksbury. 

The Mountain Lions collected 11 hits in the opener, including three by Harrison, who had two doubles. Biz Wallters and Lauren Daniel had two hits apiece.

The Mountain Lions jumped on Mars Hill starter Casey Stanek (2-4) in the nightcap for four runs in the second inning, Grace Botti and Stooksbury got the scoring started on RBI singles before Young Harris added another run on one of four Mars Hill errors. Harrison closed out the scoring with a run-scoring single to center. 

Young Harris added single runs in the fourth and fifth innings to extend its lead to 6-0. The Mountain Lions added an unearned run in the fourth, while Stooksbury drove in the run an inning later on a fielder's choice.

Harrison had two of the eight hits by the Mountain Lions in game two. Harrison and Murphy Davis each had a double for Young Harris.