Mt. Berry, Ga. - No. 17 Berry had a shaky start to its doubleheader Sunday against Maryville, falling 9-6 in the opening game before rallying for a 9-1 run-rule win in game two.

"It was super-exciting to see them come together as a team in game two," said Berry head coach Emily Stanley. "Even in game one, we had a moment where we came together. We got the jitters out early. Maryville's a really solid team, but I'm really excited to see what we're going to be able to accomplish when we're all working together for one goal."

While Berry allowed nine runs in the first game, only two of the runs were earned. Sydney Moroney would be the offensive star of game one for Berry, going 4-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored. "I'm really excited about her fight," said Coach Stanley. "I think she's worked really hard and I'm excited to see how far she can go this year. I think [today's] just the beginning."

The Vikings were on the brink of being run-ruled in game one, but showed incredible resolve to plate five in the sixth inning and make it a 9-6 game. Moroney's second RBI single of the game brought home the first run of the inning, then a Riley Jackson double with the bases loaded cleared the pads to score three runs with the aid of a throwing error, making it 9-5. Anna Jackson's RBI single then brought home Riley Jackson to make it 9-6.

Berry would bring the tying run to the plate in the seventh, but the Vikings wouldn't be able to get the tying run across.

Madison Hollis (0-1) took the loss, allowing just two earned runs on nine hits with a walk and two strikeouts. Megan Ackerman (2-0) allowed 12 hits and one earned run (six total) in the victory.

Game two would be a much different story, as the Vikings strung together five-straight hits with two out to take a 3-0 lead. Morgan Frye, Katie Parker, and Grace Hamilton each had RBI hits in the frame.

Maryville (3-1) scored in the third, but the Vikings pushed across six in the fourth to put the game on the brink. With the bases loaded, a sacrifice fly by Moroney brought home the first run. A single by Riley Jackson scored the second run of the inning, then Anna Jackson's sacrifice fly brought in a run, with a throwing error adding a second tally. Paige Bennett then doubled to score Parker and Frye to make it 9-1. "We talk about baserunning all the time," said Coach Stanley. "We practice base running a lot, and we are aggressive. To see them buying in and taking those bases is awesome."

Maryville would get a runner on with no one out, but Emily Whitehead would finish what she started in the circle. With a runner in scoring position, Whitehead would get two pop outs and a fly out to end the game and give the Vikings the win.

Whitehead (1-0) earned the win in her first collegiate start. After striking out the first batter of her career looking, Whitehead fanned three more batters while allowing just one run on five hits. Macee Shults (1-1) allowed six runs in taking the loss.

Berry will be back in action Saturday at Piedmont in part of a tri-series with George Fox and host Piedmont.