TOWSON, Md. - Seniors Delanie Dunham and Maureen Hepner both homered and sophomore Ambar Hickman pitched a complete game as the Tigers defeated UNCW 5-2 in game two of a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon at the Tiger Softball Complex.
In game one, UNCW (18-30, 4-9 CAA) defeated the Tigers (26-20, 5-6 CAA) 1-0 in eight innings.
Game two started well for the Tigers, as they put two runs on the board in the first inning. Hepner's long double to centerfield scored Olivia Yarbrough and Dunham later had an RBI groundout to give the Tigers a 2-0 lead.
After UNCW got back in the game on an RBI single from Casey Rowland in the top of the second, Hepner answered in the bottom of the third with her 11th homer of the season, a solo shot to centerfield that gave the Tigers a 3-1 edge.
Hepner's 11 homeruns are just one shy of the single-season school record of 12 set by Aimee Rosa in 2008. Hepner's 47 RBIs this season is also a single-season Towson record.
Leading 3-2 in the bottom of the sixth, Dunham added a two-run homer to give the Tigers some insurance runs and the eventual 5-2 final score.
In game one, UNCW got a brilliant performance in the circle from Rowland, who allowed just two hits in eight innings in the shutout victory. Rowland had 11 strikeouts, which included a stretch of fanning the first six batters of the game.
Tiger pitcher Missy McCormick also threw a complete game in the opener, giving up just four hits and two walks.
UNCW scored the eventual game-winning run on a double by Casey Shue in the top half of the eighth inning.
The teams conclude the series on Sunday with a single game at 1 p.m. Prior to the game, Towson seniors Dunham, Hepner, Mickelle Oslin and Victoria Sindone will be recognized before playing in their final home game.
