PEMBROKE – The UNC Pembroke softball team jumped out to an early 2-1 lead in the opening game of the day against Kutztown, but a six running sixth inning from the Golden Bears proved to be the difference as Kutztown defeated UNCP 9-3. The Braves used a big third inning and a stellar performance in the circle from
Summer Bullard in game two for a big 5-3 victory against Tusculum on Monday at the UNCP Softball Field.
The Braves (2-1) are now 12-13 all-time against Kutztown, who had dropped four straight games against UNCP entering Monday's contest. The victory against Tusculum marked the third straight against the Pioneers, but the first since Feb. 6, 2011.
| DOUBLEHEADER SUMMARY |
| GAME 1 FINAL |
Kutztown 9, UNC Pembroke 3 |
| PITCHERS |
WP: Haley Gravish (1-0) LP: Madison Dyson (0-1) |
|
| GAME 2 FINAL |
UNC Pembroke 5, Tusculum 3 |
| PITCHERS |
WP: Summer Bullard (1-0) LP: Ireland Cavanaugh (0-1) |
|
| RECORDS |
UNC Pembroke 2-1, Kutztown 2-1, Tusculum 2-1 |
| KEY INNINGS (GAME 1) |
| BOT 3 |
Summer Bullard drew a walk and then stole second. A deep fly to center field advanced Bullard to third, who scored on a two-run blast from Marijo Wilkes to give UNCP a 2-1 lead. |
| TOP 6 |
The Golden Bears put runners on second and third after a fielding error and a double to right field from Sarah Harvey. Kutztown registered six hits, four of which were singles and scored six runs to take an 8-3 lead. |
|
| KEY INNINGS (GAME 2) |
| BOT 4 |
Samantha Allred got the offense going with a leadoff double to the outfield gap and advanced to third on a bunt from Lauren Hilbourn. Olivia Hall smacked a double to right field to score both Allred and Hilbourn. Emily Rose found the outfield grass to plate Hall to push the UNCP lead out to 5-0. |
| TOP 7 |
Tusculum put runners on first and second after a leadoff walk and a single to left field. Chloe Freischmidt knocked an RBI double into right field and Sammy Jimenez drove in a run to cut the UNCP lead to 5-2. The Pioneers would score one more run with two outs, but the Braves halted the two-out rally after a groundout from Madison Watts. |
|
| UNCP LEADERS (GAME 1) |
KU LEADERS (GAME 1) |
|
Marijo Wilkes 2-3, 2B 2 RBI
Oliva Hall 2-3
Summer Bullard 1-2, 3B, BB
Madison Dyson 5.2 IP, 5K
|
Sarah Harvey 3-4, 2 2B
Kristin Geesey 2-4, 2 RBI
Naya Darnowski 2-4, RBI |
|
| UNCP LEADERS (GAME 2) |
TU LEADERS (GAME 2) |
Olivia Hall 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI
Samantha Allred 1-2, 2B, RBI
MaKenna Sibbett 1-3, HR, RBI
Summer Bullard 7.0 IP, 10K |
Chloe Freischmidt 1-3, 2B, RBI
Claire Smeltzer 1-3
Kallyn Newport 2-3
|
| UP NEXT |
| The Braves will be back in action on Saturday when they welcome Seton Hill (0-0) to Pembroke. First pitch of the twin bill is set for 1 p.m. at the UNCP Softball Field. Admission is free. |
| STAY CONNECTED |
| Follow UNCP Softball on Twitter and Instagram at @UNCP_Softball and send a friend request to UNCP Softball on Facebook. |
