FAIRMONT, W.Va. -- Tuesday afternoon, the Malone University softball team made their second trip to the 'Mountain State' this season.

The Pioneers took on Fairmont State University in a non-conference doubleheader. 

The host Falcons came away with a 6-2 win in the opener, and followed that up with a 5-1 win in the second game to complete the doubleheader sweep. 

THE ESSENTIALS

• Game 1: Fairmont State Fighting Falcons 6 - Malone University Pioneers 2
• Game 2: Fairmont State Fighting Falcons 5 - Malone University Pioneers 1
• Records: Fairmont (7-7, 0-0 MEC) | Malone (1-3, 0-0 G-MAC)
• Location: Fairmont, West Virginia | Duvall-Rosier Field

GAME ONE
The Pioneers loaded the bases in the top of the first inning, but were unable to get anything on the scoreboard to show for it. 

The game remained scoreless until Fairmont broke things open with four runs on three hits in the bottom of the third inning. 

The Falcons tacked on a pair of insurance runs on a two-run home run in the fifth. 

The Pioneers refused to go down without a fight however.

Malone once again loaded the bases in the top of the seventh inning. Halyn Cawthorne drew a walk to pick up her first collegiate RBI. One batter later Reagan Smith's infield single plated Amber Burick to make it a 6-2 game.

That brought the tying run to the plate, but unfortunately Fairmont was able to shut down Malone's rally and escape with the 6-2 win. 

GAME TWO
The Falcons loaded the bases in the bottom of the first inning. Fairmont plated the first run of the game, but Elizabeth Dyke was able to get the next two batters out to escape the inning with minimal damage. 

It did not take long for the Pioneers to answer back. Karlie Duvall launched her second home run of the season in the top of the third to tie the game at 1-1. 

Unfortunately FSU put up four runs on four hits in the fourth inning to take a 5-1 lead. 

That score held for the final three innings of play as Fairmont completed the doubleheader sweep.

DETAILS

• Elizabeth Dyke, Madi Pukansky, and Karlie Duvall each had a multi-hit day at the plate for Malone. Dyke and Pukansky each had a double, while Duvall had the home run. 
• Jensen Miller and Elizabeth Dyke both fired complete games in the pitcher's circle. Each finished the day with four strikeouts.

WHAT'S NEXT
Malone will spend their spring break in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where they will play a total of 12 games over the course of 6 days as part of the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic.

The Pioneers will open the week Sunday with a 1:00 p.m. game against Iowa Wesleyan University and a 3:00 p.m. game against Trinity International University.

FOLLOW THE PIONEERS
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the Malone University athletic programs this year follow the Pioneers on Twitter and Instagram, like Malone University Athletics on Facebook or visit www.malonepioneers.com.