Rocky Mount, NC - The N.C. Wesleyan softball team faced a tough challenge on the road Wednesday, falling in both games of a non-conference doubleheader against nationally-ranked Virginia Wesleyan.
Game 1: Virginia Wesleyan 8, N.C. Wesleyan 0 (5 Innings)
The Marlins wasted no time in game one, plating seven runs in the bottom of the first inning. A combination of timely hits, aggressive baserunning, and defensive miscues allowed Virginia Wesleyan to take early control.
Wesleyan's offense struggled to gain momentum, recording just one hit — a bunt single by Skyler Walker in the fourth inning — against a strong Virginia Wesleyan pitching performance. The Bishops were held hitless in the other four frames, and the Marlins tacked on an additional unearned run in the third to secure the run-rule victory.
Walker's single and stolen base provided a brief spark, but the Bishops were unable to break through against the Marlins' pitchers, who struck out six over five innings.
Game 2 Recap: Virginia Wesleyan 9, N.C. Wesleyan 1Â (6Â Innings)
The second game saw a more competitive start, with the Bishops tying the contest at 1-1 in the top of the third inning. Savannah Bain led off the inning with a single up the middle before Walker delivered a clutch two-out RBI double to right field, leveling the score.
Virginia Wesleyan responded quickly, retaking the lead with a three-run fourth inning, highlighted by a pair of RBI doubles. The Marlins added another run in the fifth and then broke the game open with a four-run sixth inning to put the contest out of reach.
The Bishops managed four hits in Game 2, with Walker, Bain, Kayla Simmons, and Frances Hanshew each recording a base knock. Despite putting runners on in several innings, Wesleyan couldn't string together the timely hits needed to close the gap.
Up Next:
Softball will travel to North Myrtle Beach this weekend to take part in the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic in Myrtle Beach.
