 Softball |
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April 9, 2008 FAYETTEVILLE, NC - N.C. Wesleyan used a two-run home run in the first inning of game one to hold on for the win before the Monarchs had a walk-off walk in game two to win 3-2. The Monarchs move to 32-6 overall and 14-2 in the USA South while N.C. Wesleyan is 14-14 overall and 5-11 in the conference. Prior to the doubleheader the fans were treated to a performance by the U.S. Army's Parachute Team, the Golden Knights. The Golden Knights presented gifts to the Monarchs and seniors Billye Rivas and Rebekah Kelly were recognized in their final regular season home games. The Bishops took an early 2-0 lead in the first inning after a lead-off walk and a sacrifice bunt before Ashley Bass hit a home run over the fence in left center field. The Monarchs put together six hits but could not get a run across. Freshman Ashley Guman led off the fifth with a single to right center and advanced to second on an error. Senior Rebekah Kelly drew the walk and both runners advanced on sophomore Megan Hutson's sacrifice bunt, but were left stranded. The Bishops pitcher Libby Fulford retired the next six batters through the sixth and seventh innings to earn the 2-0 win. Methodist junior Lesley Hewitt took the loss for the Monarchs scattering six hits with five strikeouts. The first two and a half innings were scoreless in game two before freshman Tabatha Stephenson led off the third by reaching on an error. She moved to second and third on wild pitches before scoring on sophomore Crystal Metzger's single up the middle for the 1-0 lead. The Monarchs scored again in the fourth inning when junior Kayla Talbert led off with a triple to the gap in right center field. Junior Sara Poling walked and freshman Darci Martin hit the sacrifice fly to score Talbert. N.C. Wesleyan came back in the fifth and scored two runs on a bases loaded two-RBI single from Fulford to right field. With the score still tied at two heading into the bottom of the seventh, Metzger led off with another single up the middle and advanced to second on the sacrifice bunt from junior Jennifer Brophy. Freshman Courtney Blann entered to run for Metzger and Talbert was intentionally walked. Poling drew another walk to loaded the bases before Martin walked in the winning run. Sophomore Emily Beck pitched the complete game giving up seven hits with two strikeouts while Fulford took the loss for the Bishops. The Monarchs will finish the regular season at Christopher Newport on Saturday at 2 pm with the USA South Regular Season Championship still up for grabs. |
