BELMONT, N.C. -- Hailey Gass had a pair of hits and scored twice, highlighting Belmont Abbey's 2021 home debut Saturday afternoon. However, Mars Hill took both games of the doubleheader, winning the opener 1-0, then taking the nightcap 10-2 in five innings.

The Crusaders fall to 2-4 on the season, while the Lions improve to 5-4.

GAME ONE

• Hailey Gass recorded the Crusaders' lone hit with a double to the wall in left center during the third inning.
• Mars Hill plated the game's only run in the third, leading off with two infield singles before a rope to center.
• Marissa Adame (3-2) earned the win, while Annabeth Watkins took the loss to fall to 1-2.
• Watkins struck out six, while walking just three. MHU had five hits total.

GAME TWO

• Gass went 1-for-2 and scored both of the Crusader runs.
• Morgan Smith, Marlie Stillwell, Katie Allison and Bailey Presley were also part of the five-hit attack.
• Allison has the only extra-base hit of the contest, a fifth-inning double just inside the third-base bag.
• Mars Hill hit a three-run home run in the top of the first, but BAC responded with a run in the bottom of the frame. With one out, Gass had an infield single before a hit batter and walk loaded the bases. She scored on a sacrifice fly by Presley.
• After the Lions scored four in the top of the third, the Crusaders answered back again. Gass was hit by a pitch as the leadoff batter and stole second. She later came around on a single by Presley.
• K Gallagher improved to 2-2 with the complete-game win, while starter Jordanna Shorts (0-1) took the loss.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey returns to action on Wednesday.
• The Crusaders travel to Tusculum for a non-conference doubleheader.