Busy Weekend for YHC Athletics Sees Multiple Victories

(Photo by Curtis Markham) Leadoff batter Drew Bray turns on a pitch he likes against SWU.

⚾ Baseball | Conference Carolinas Sweep

The Mountain Lions opened Conference Carolinas play in dominant fashion, sweeping Southern Wesleyan in a three-game home series while outscoring the Warriors 51–25 to improve to 3–0 in league action.

Young Harris took the opener 14–7 behind a powerful offensive showing from Drew Bray, who finished 3-for-5 with a home run, double, and five RBIs. Keypher Contreras, Jonny Smith, and Kyle Chatham also homered, while Cole Molina earned the win to move to 3–0 on the season.

Game two delivered late-inning drama as the Mountain Lions rallied from an 8–5 deficit in the eighth. Carlos Martans crushed a game-tying three-run homer, and the go-ahead run scored later in the inning on a fielding error. Trey Griffin picked up his first win of the season in relief.

The sweep was sealed in emphatic fashion with a 28–10 blowout Saturday night. Young Harris exploded for 31 hits, led by Jackson Morgan’s massive 6-for-7 performance with five RBIs and a home run. Drew Bray, Jeo Hernandez, Bryce Kingeter, and Morgan all went deep as the Mountain Lions scored eight runs in both the second and seventh innings.

Up Next: Conference play continues next weekend as Young Harris hosts Barton.

🥎 Softball | Strong Showing at Kickoff Classic

The Mountain Lions went 3–1 at the Brianna Surrento Kickoff Classic, picking up wins over Middle Georgia, Lander, and Emory & Henry.

Young Harris opened with an 8–0 shutout of Middle Georgia as Gracie Hughes went 3-for-3 with two RBIs and Lilly Jones tossed a complete-game shutout.

In game two, the Mountain Lions knocked off Lander 7–2 behind a five-run third inning and a standout relief performance from Julia Moore, who struck out eight over 3.2 scoreless innings.

Another shutout followed in a 3–0 win over Emory & Henry, highlighted by a Haley Cummings home run and a strong start from Abbie Burkett.

Young Harris wrapped up the weekend with a narrow 3–1 loss to Lander despite solid relief pitching from Lakely Parrish and Julia Moore.

Up Next: The Mountain Lions return home for a Saturday doubleheader against Lenoir-Rhyne.

🥍 Women’s Lacrosse | Road Comeback Win

The Mountain Lions opened their season with a thrilling 14–13 comeback victory on the road at Montevallo.

After trailing for much of the second half, Sydney Craig delivered the game-winning goal with just 1:13 remaining. Mary Troyer earned Player of the Game honors with four goals, two assists, 10 draw controls, and two caused turnovers as Young Harris improved to 1–0 on the season.

Up Next: Young Harris returns home February 22 to face Palm Beach Atlantic at noon for Morgan’s Message in the Enchanted Valley.

🏀 Women’s Basketball | Tough Road Loss

The Mountain Lions came up just short in a 64–60 road loss at Chowan on Valentine’s Day.

Annalise Malone led Young Harris with 12 points, nine rebounds, and a perfect 8-for-8 performance from the free-throw line. The Mountain Lions out-rebounded Chowan 35–25 and shot over 81 percent from the stripe but couldn’t overcome the Hawks late.

Up Next: Young Harris returns home Monday, February 16, to host North Greenville at 5 p.m.

🏀 Men’s Basketball | Buzzer-Beater Victory

With plenty of Valentine’s Day heart, the Mountain Lions edged Chowan 86–83 in a dramatic road win.

Kelvin Hunter earned Player of the Game honors after scoring 14 points off the bench and drilling the game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer. Young Harris showcased balanced scoring, with four players reaching double figures, and improved to 17–6 overall and 13–2 in conference play.

Up Next: The Mountain Lions return home February 16 to host North Greenville at 7 p.m. inside the Harp Recreation and Commencement Center.