GRAYSON, Ky. - Playing for the first time in 12 days, the Midway softball team looked rusty at times before being able to earn a doubleheader split at Kentucky Christian Thursday.

The Eagles fell apart after opening up a 4-1 lead in the opener, as the Knights scored 11 consecutive runs over their last three at-bats to win 12-4. Midway was able to snap a four-game losing streak in game two, withstanding another late KCU rally and winning 5-4.

GAME ONE

Katie Rhodes got things off to a great start with a two-run single as the Eagles jumped ahead 3-0 after the first inning. They then answered a Knight run with another of their own on a second-inning fielder's choice.

But after the first batter was retired in the bottom of the third inning, Kentucky Christian responded with six consecutive base hits. Having already tied the game, the Knights proceeded to take the lead on a two-run triple by Victoria Breckler, who then came around to score the inning's final run on a groundout.

Breckler started another big rally in the fifth, driving in the first of five Knight runs with a double, as KCU finished with 17 hits in the run-rule win.

Kennadi Thompson and Sydney Apling each added RBIs with Tenley Gilbert scoring twice for Midway.

GAME TWO

Things began in a similar fashion in game two. as Midway jumped out to a 4-0 lead through two-and-a-half innings, the highlight coming when Thompson stole home in the third.

The Knights then got within 4-3 in the bottom of the inning, which proved to be the last runs until a thrilling seventh.

Thompson came up big again, taking advantage of a KCU error by bringing home Gilbert for a needed insurance run to put the Eagles ahead 5-3. Gilbert again scored two runs, while also leading the team with two hits.

The game was far from over, and with two on and two out, Acie Prince hit an RBI single that also moved the tying run to third base. Luckily, reliever Makayla McDowell was able to end the threat, forcing Hannah Ison into a game-ending groundout to second base.

The 2-4 Eagles have played each of their first six games on the road, with six more coming before they finally play at home. Next on the docket is a doubleheader at Cumberland (Tenn.) on Saturday, beginning at 1 p.m.

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