HICKORY – No. 25 Lenoir-Rhyne used a home run in the first inning to score three runs and send the Bears ahead of the UNCP softball team in the first game of the doubleheader on Sunday afternoon with a score of 7-0 at Bears Field.

The Lady Braves (10-16) posted only four hits as senior Kristen Hobbs led the team with two hits, while Holly Berry and Ashley Harrell each posted one. Lenoir-Rhyne (21-7) recorded seven runs on eight hits with Haily Jarman leading the way with three hits, while Jessica Fellmeth had a team-best four RBI.

Starr Gilley (4-8) started the first three innings and gave up all seven runs (four earned) on six hits but struck out three in the process. Natalie Klemann finished up the final three innings as she allowed two hits and totaled six strikeouts. Dawon Millwood (11-4) grabbed the shutout win for the Bears as she pitched a complete game.

Carlee Carpenter and Jarman were brought around the bases on the home run to right center by Fellmeth in the first inning for a 3-0 lead. Carpenter scored the only run in the third inning and was one of the three runs scored in the fourth. UNCP's Hobbs tried to put the Lady Braves on the board as she doubled to right center in the second inning but was left on base.  

UNCP posted the third out in the first four innings and registered the first out of the fourth, fifth and sixth innings on swinging strikeouts.