YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | The Young Harris College softball team delivered one of its most impressive performances of the season on Friday, sweeping a strong UNC Pembroke squad in a doubleheader by scores of 9-2 and 2-0 at the YHC Softball Field.

The Mountain Lions controlled both games in different ways; explosive offense in game one and dominant pitching in game two, to secure the statement sweep.

Game 1: Young Harris 9, UNC Pembroke 2

Young Harris jumped out early and never looked back, scoring two runs in the first inning behind RBI efforts from Gracie Hughes and Addie Heal.

After UNC Pembroke cut the lead to 2-1 in the fourth, the Mountain Lions responded immediately. Hughes delivered the biggest swing of the game with a three-run home run to center field, extending the lead to 5-1.

The Braves added a run in the sixth, but Young Harris put the game away in the bottom half of the inning. Hughes struck again with a bases-clearing three-RBI single, and Mallory Clark followed with an RBI groundout to cap a four-run frame and secure the 9-2 victory.

Hughes led the offensive charge, going 3-for-4 with seven RBIs, including a home run and a double.

In the circle, Abbie Burkett earned the win, tossing a complete game while allowing just two runs (one earned) on seven hits.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Gracie Hughes: 3-for-4, HR, 7 RBI
• Bailee Brown: 3-for-3, 2 runs scored
• Jordan Morris: 2-for-3, 2 runs scored
• Addie Heal: RBI single
• Abbie Burkett: 7.0 IP, 2 R (1 ER), Win

Game 2: Young Harris 2, UNC Pembroke 0

The Mountain Lions leaned on pitching and timely hitting in game two to complete the sweep.

Young Harris scored both runs in the second inning. Addie Heal delivered an RBI double to plate the first run, and Jordan Morris followed with an RBI single to give the Mountain Lions a 2-0 lead.

That was all the offense needed behind a dominant performance from Julia Moore.

Moore threw a complete-game shutout, allowing six hits while striking out six and not issuing a walk to earn her 18th win of the season.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Julia Moore: 7.0 IP, 0 R, 6 H, 6 K, Win
• Addie Heal: RBI double
• Jordan Morris: RBI single
• Gracie Hughes: 2-for-2 (Player of the series)

UP NEXT:

The Mountain Lions look to carry the momentum forward as they continue Conference Carolinas play on Saturday (Mar. 21) afternoon versus Chowan in Young Harris!