MOUNT BERRY, Ga. The Berry Vikings Softball team faced the Maryville Scots in their season opener on Saturday, where they swept the Scots to begin their 2026 quest 2-0.
Game One (Vikings 3 – Scots 2)
The first matchup against the Scots started out with an early double from Maryville, helping them to a 2-0 lead. Feeling the pressure, Ava Fouts and Elly Bennet stepped up to the plate with sheer confidence. As a result, both knocked through impressive singles, tying the match at 2.
Entering the 2nd inning, pitcher Ava Fouts dominated by throwing her 1st and 2nd strikeouts of the season. The Scots returned the favor, however, striking out the Viking side.
A ton of action ensued in the 3rd, with the Vikings infield displaying great teamwork and chemistry following a slew of ground outs. The tension was mounting, as this tie game could have turned in any second in any direction. Exiting the 3rd inning, Senior Lauren Cothern stepped up to the box, looking as cool as a cucumber. As Maryville threw off the pitch, Cothern created perfect contact with the ball, hitting a moonshot homerun to take the lead 3-2.
As the latter half of the faceoff proceeded, Rachel Runsick, Elly Bennett, and Cothern doubled the Viking's prevalent momentum, loading up the bases. With only a 1-run lead, the Vikings were sure to not let their foot off the gas pedal.
Berry maintained control of their home turf all the way until the dugout meeting. The Vikings prevailed in their home opener, winning 3-2.
Game Two (Vikings 5 – Scots 0)
Following a close, but clutch win in game one, the Vikings amped up their energy and swagger to bring this one home.
Entering the 1st, the Vikings brought out Freshman Pitcher JJ Sweat, who exuded undoubtable confidence in her very first collegiate action. That mindset followed suit with her performance, striking out her first 2 hitters.
Closing out the first, Ava Fouts executed a base hit, throwing off the already shaky Scots. Following that hit, Elly Bennett struck a single to left field. Stacking onto this already palpable energy from the home crowd, Lauren Cothern advanced to second base from a fielder's choice.
From this, Sophomore Kennedy Moody hit a clutch single, allowing Bennett and Cothern to score. The Vikings exited the 1st inning with a 2-0 early lead.
Following a dominant 1st inning performance, Sweat remained a powerhouse pitcher by throwing another 2 strikeouts, in her first game!
Throughout the 2nd and 3rd innings, the game slowed down, with Maryville stuck in a stagnant crossroads. At the bottom of the 4th, after Bradynn Belcher got on base, pinch running junior Haylee Dishmon and Ava Fouts mounted continued pressure on the Scots, taking the corner bases. As Elly Bennett flared a high fly ball into left field, Dishmon scored a speedy run, leading the Scots 3-0
Entering the latter half of the matchup, the odds were looking grim for Maryville, as none of their efforts have made solid ground against the Vikings. In the 5th, Kennedy Moody scored a closing out, while Sophomore Erica Bennett secured a base hit. This consistent and valiant effort by the Vikings started to be tiring for the Scots.
The bottom of the 6th inning showcased Fouts and Sophomore Madison Miller filling up the first two bases, due to an impressive single and base hit. This opened the door for Elly Bennett, scoring a 2 run double to close out the inning, sweeping the Vikings 5-0
Standouts from today's double header included Elly Bennett with 3 RBIs, Lauren Cothern with a momentum setting homerun, and JJ Sweat with a 7-strikeout debut.
The Vikings emerged victorious in both opening matchups and will face Covenant College on Thursday.
