Raleigh, N.C. - North Carolina Wesleyan softball continued its strong run in the USA South Conference Tournament with a dominant 12-2 victory over Meredith on Friday afternoon, using explosive offense and efficient pitching to advance.
The Battling Bishops wasted no time setting the tone, erupting for four runs in the opening inning. After Ragan Holloman reached base and Brooke Markiewicz got on to set the table, Kayla Simmons drove in the first run before Kyiah Simmons launched a three-run home run to give Wesleyan an early 4-0 lead.
Wesleyan added to its advantage in the fourth inning with another big offensive surge. Aleah Jones and Caleigh Warf reached to spark the rally before Savannah Bain drove in a run with a bunt single. Moments later, Holloman delivered the knockout blow with a three-run home run to extend the lead to 8-1.
The Bishops continued to pour it on in the sixth, plating four more runs behind clutch hitting from Kayla Simmons, who drove in two, and an RBI single from Aleah Jones to cap the scoring at 12 runs.
Offensively, Wesleyan totaled 12 hits in the contest, led by Kayla Simmons' three-hit, three-RBI performance, while Holloman added three RBI and multiple runs scored. Kyiah Simmons also drove in three runs, and Jones contributed a multi-hit effort with an RBI.
In the circle, Ava Strickland was steady, tossing a complete game while allowing just three hits and two runs (one earned) to secure the win.
The win marked a statement performance for the Battling Bishops in tournament play, combining early offense with continued pressure throughout to secure a decisive victory and move one step closer to a conference title.
