LEBANON, Tenn. – The Phoenix got off to a strong start in conference play, taking down Bethel 4-2. 

The Phoenix started the day with the bats hot and continued to play well on the defensive side to pull out th victory to open conference play at Billy Dee Ross Stadium. 

 A big first inning set the tone for the game, and Cumberland never looked back. Cumberland wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. After Ashley Evans drew a lead off walk, a sacrifice bunt moved her into scoring position.Jacey Hatfield followed up with a single, and then Abby Chappell came through with an RBI hit to put the Phoenix on the board. Karsyn France added to the damage with a double, and by the time the inning ended, Cumberland had piled up four runs on five hits.
Meanwhile, in the circle, Madison Croxford pitched a great game. Bethel's hitters had no answer early on, as the Phoenix struck out the side in the first inning and didn't allow a hit through the first two frames.

Bethel finally broke through in the third inning, scoring their first run on a sacrifice fly. They added another in the sixth inning with an RBI double, cutting the lead to 4-2. But Cumberland's defense held strong, shutting the door in the final inning to secure the victory.

Jacey Hatfield led the Phoenix going 2-2 with a drawn walk and a run scored. Abby Chappell went 1-3 with a run scored and an RBI. 
The Phoenix accumulated eight hits driving in four runs. The defense played well with no errors and striking out six batters. 

With the win, Cumberland starts conference play 1-0 looking for two more wins tomorrow as they take on Bethel tomorrow in a doubleheader to finish up the series. The first game starts at 12:00 PM and game two follows.