PEMBROKE – Natalie Klemann worked through five innings in the middle for UNCP to halt Peach Belt Conference opponent Georgia College, 9-1, in order to split the series in the second game of the doubleheader at LRA Field on Sunday afternoon.
Klemann held Georgia College (20-14, 7-3) to only one run on four hits as she walked one and struck out two. Whitney Okvist posted two hits and scored the only run for the Bobcats.
Haley Burnett pitched the first 1-2/3 innings for the Bobcats as she allowed six earned runs on seven hits, until Erica Bell stepped into the middle for 2-1/3 innings. Bell gave up four hits and three earned runs before being relieved by Kelsey Edmondson for the final out. Edmondson gave up two hits during her time in the middle.
"I was proud in how we responded in game two," said UNCP head coach Lacinda Melanson. "We challenged the girls a little bit about playing tougher at home especially when teams are coming to our place, and we want to make it a little more personal to where teams can't come in and just walk on us. I think they did very well and I am pleased."
Georgia College started the game with Okvist reaching on a single to left field and was brought home on the single up the middle by Burnett to give the Bobcats the 1-0 lead. UNCP answered back with a stellar second inning as UNCP went through the entire batting order. Hobbs and Karlee Wilson singled before Van Dyke doubled to send Hobbs home and tie the game. Harrell singled up the middle to score Karlee Wilson for the game-winning run.
Davis singled and Burwell reached on a fielder's choice to load the bases before Kaytee Wilson doubled along the left field line scoring Harrell and Davis. Berry reached on a single to right center and scored Burwell to bring the score to 6-1.
UNCP attacked again in the fifth inning as Hobbs single to center field, Karlee Wilson walked, and Van Dyke singled to load the bases for Harrell. Using a single up the middle, Harrell brought in Hobbs and Davis scored Karlee Wilson on a single to first base. Brea Hartley ended the game with a single through the left side to score Harrell.
The Lady Braves will be back at it on Saturday when they host PBC foe Flagler in a doubleheader at LRA Field beginning at 1 p.m.
