BELMONT –Stellar defensive action and a four-run first inning for the UNCP softball team allowed the Lady Braves to post a shutout in the second game of the doubleheader over Belmont Abbey, 5-0, for the fourth-consecutive series sweep since the 2005 season.

Four athletes – Brea Hartley, Kristen Hobbs, Kellie Van Dyke and Morgan Davis – captured one RBI apiece for UNCP (2-7). Hobbs and Ashley Harrell led the Lady Braves with two hits each, while four others each collected one hit. Belmont Abbey (0-4) had four players register one hit.

Natalie Klemann (1-2) spent five innings in the circle, gave up three hits and notched four strike outs to claim the win, before Jamie Burwell came in for the final two innings. Burwell faced seven batters and allowed one hit for UNCP. 

Savannah Carpenter (0-2) spent less than an inning pitching for Belmont Abbey as she gave up four runs (one earned) in the first inning, before being relieved by Brittany Southard who pitched 5-1/3 innings. Southard allowed three hits, but Emily Self allowed the final earned run in the last inning.

Junior Holly Berry, Kaytee Wilson, Megan Hillard and Van Dyke rounded the bases in the first inning to give UNCP a 4-0 lead. Berry was walked and moved to third on Kaytee Wilson's double to left center. Hobbs brought home Berry and moved Kaytee Wilson to third on a single along the right field line. 

Hillard reached on a throwing error and Van Dyke singled up the middle, before Karlee Wilson singled to right field to bring Hillard and Van Dyke home. Hillard rounded the bases in the seventh inning to give UNCP the final run. The win extends UNCP's winning streak in the series with the Crusaders to 10 games.

The Black and Gold return home for the first time since its season opening series with Kutztown to face Wingate (5-3) in a doubleheader at LRA Field with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m.