MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Amanda Gaffey belted a three-run homer to help the Mount Mercy softball team trim Faulkner, 6-5, in the first game of a doubleheader in Alabama on Tuesday.

Faulkner won the second game, 6-2.

The Mustangs trailed 5-2 heading into the top of the sixth inning of the opener. Gaffey's three-run blast tied the game, 5-5, with one out. Ellie Rizor doubled, advanced to third on a passed ball and scored the go-ahead run on a two-out, pinch-hit single by Cayla Bantz.

Hannah Petersen pitched the first five innings and got the victory. Claudia Magana tossed two scoreless innings in relief for the save. Gaffey and Magana had two hits apiece.

Faulkner scored six runs in the bottom of the first inning of the nightcap. Mount Mercy scored twice in the sixth inning, but could draw no closer. Petersen had two hits for the Mustangs.

The split left Mount Mercy with an 8-7 record. Faulkner is 12-8.

Game 1

Mount Mercy   110 004 0 - 6 10 2
Faulkner         300 020 0 - 5 10 2

W - Petersen. L - Dotson. S - Magana.

Game 2

Mount Mercy   000 002 0 - 2 6 2
Faulkner         600 000 x - 6 6 1

W - Strickland. L - Moore.