PEMBROKE – The UNCP softball team allowed visiting Kutztown to take an early 2-0 lead along with three additional runs in the fifth inning to hold off the Lady Braves, 5-2, in the first game of the doubleheader on Saturday at LRA Field.

Freshmen Brea Hartley and Kaytee Wilson each totaled two hits apiece with Wilson earning the solo RBI for the Lady Braves (0-2). Ashley Harrell and Hartley scored UNCP's two runs coming in the third and seventh innings. Kutztown (2-0) was led by Jackie Hetzler and Kelly Fitzgerald with two hits each as well as four others tallying one hit apiece.

Sophomore Natalie Klemann (0-1) started in the circle for the Black and Gold and pitched 4-2/3 innings as she allowed eight hits and five earned runs. Klemann struck out three batters before giving way to Jamie Burwell who stuck out one in her 2-1/3 innings. The Golden Bears saw action in the middle from Mary Kociencki (1-0) who handed over eight hits, but struck out one to capture the victory for Kutztown.

Elizabeth Kangas posted the early run for the Golden Bears as she ran home on a sacrifice fly to center field. Kelly Fitzgerald stepped up in the second inning and dropped a homer to centerfield to provide the insurance run. UNCP returned in the third as Harrell scored on a throwing error by the right fielder, but Kutztown put the game away in the fifth inning with Hetzler rounding the bases and Briana Knipe's home run that allowed Heather Hannum to cross the plate. UNCP made its final attempt in the bottom of the seventh with Hartley advancing home on the double by Wilson.