Raleigh, N.C. - North Carolina Wesleyan softball fell 3-1 to Meredith in the third game of the USA South Conference Tournament on Sunday afternoon, setting up a decisive rematch between the two teams to determine the conference champion.
The Battling Bishops were held in check early as Meredith used a three-run second inning to take control. Despite the early deficit, Wesleyan continued to battle throughout the contest, creating opportunities but unable to break through offensively.
Wesleyan got on the board in the fifth inning when Caleigh Warf doubled and later came around to score on a play that resulted in an error, cutting the deficit to 3-1. The Bishops threatened in multiple innings, including putting runners on in the sixth, but were unable to capitalize against Meredith's pitching.
Ragan Holloman led the offense with two hits, while Brooke Markiewicz and Kayla Simmons each added hits as Wesleyan totaled five hits in the game.
In the circle, Ava Strickland went the distance, allowing three runs on seven hits while keeping the Bishops within striking distance throughout the game.
Despite the setback, the Battling Bishops remain in position with another opportunity ahead, as Wesleyan will face Meredith once more with the USA South Conference Championship on the line.
