LYNCHBURG, Va. - The Randolph softball team put up a fight but came up short in the first game of a doubleheader against Shenandoah, falling 5-2 on Saturday afternoon. The team bounced back with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Shenandoah in game two.

The visiting Hornets jumped out to an early lead in the first inning, capitalizing on a Randolph miscue. Shortly after, the Hornets reached on an error allowing two more runs to cross and giving Shenandoah a quick 3-0 advantage.

Randolph's pitching settled in after the opening frame, with starter Paige Scuggs, allowing four runs (all earned) on four hits while striking out one. Hailey Metzger took over for three innings, giving up one run on two hits. Aubree came on in relief and pitched a scoreless seventh.

The WildCats found some offensive momentum in the bottom of the fourth inning. After back-to-back baserunners, Hailey Metzger delivered a clutch two-run single through the right side, scoring Chesney Shook and Lacey Lucado to trim the deficit to 4-2.

Shenandoah tacked on an insurance run in the seventh to extend the Hornets' lead to 5-2.

The offense was led by Metzger, who finished with two RBIs, while Zoe Watson and Rylee Humble each contributed a hit.

In game two, both teams were locked in a scoreless battle through five innings, with starting pitchers Austyn Moran for Randolph and Becca Sexton for Shenandoah keeping hitters in check. Moran delivered a strong complete-game performance, allowing just two runs on six hits while striking out two.

The WildCats finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth. Laura Herzig led off the inning and later came around to score on a wild pitch, giving the WildCats a 1-0 lead. Moments later, Rylee Humble lifted a sacrifice fly to center field, bringing home Riley Shupe to double the advantage. Lexi Hawkins then delivered an RBI single to center, scoring Shook and extending the lead to 3-0.

The Hornets mounted a comeback attempt in the seventh. With the bases loaded, a walk to force in a run, and a sacrifice fly made it a one-run game. However, a ground out to third base recorded the final out to secure the win for the WildCats.

The 'Cats made the most of their opportunities, capitalizing on timely hitting and aggressive baserunning. Herzig, Shupe, and Hawkins recorded Randolph's three hits, while Humble and Hawkins each picked up an RBI. Shupe had three stolen bases while Addie Bowen recorded one stolen base.

The 'Cats are back in action, Sunday, to take on the Maroons of Roanoke College at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.