The University of Pikeville split a doubleheader with Bryan (Tenn.) College on Tuesday afternoon. The Lions took the opener 9-4, while the Bears picked up the nightcap 11-3 in five innings.
 
UPike is now 21-11 on the season and 11-9 in the AAC. Bryan is now 22-16 overall, 12-6 in the league.
 
UPike will be back on the field on Saturday, hosting Brenau (Ga.) University. First pitch is at 1 p.m. at Paul Butcher Field, and Senior Day ceremonies will be held between games.
 
Lions 9, Bears 4: A five-run first put the Lions on top to stay, although the Bears battled the entire game.
 
The rally had UPike back within one, 5-4, after four innings before Bryan scored twice in the fifth and sixth.
 
Third baseman Ashlyn Dixon had two hits, including a double, to drive in three runs and score one. First baseman Claudia Maness had two hits as well and came across to score.
 
Left fielder Harlee Quick doubled, designated player Chloy Creech singled and scored, centerfielder Addison Johnson singled and scored and catcher Dani Crum singled.
 
Pinch runner Cate Salyers scored a run.
 
Bears 11, Lions 3, 5 innings: Bryan scored two in the top of the third to tie the game before UPike scored four in the bottom of the frame and added five more in the fourth to invoke the mercy rule.
 
The big blow in the fourth was a two-out grand slam home run by designated player Rylee Carter to push the lead to eight. That was one of two runs Carter scored in the game.
 
Four players had multiple hits for the Bears, led by Creech with three. She also scored twice and drove in two. Crum and shortstop Alexis Emory had two hits, including a double each, and scored two runs, while second baseman Kaden Dunlap had two hits, scored twice and drove one in.
 
Maness had a double and drove in two while Quick singled and drove one in.
 
Brianna Johnsen went the distance in the circle, scattering seven hits and allowing only one earned run. Her record is now 9-2 on the campaign.