College Softball Finals: Guilford 7-2, William Peace 1-7

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Guilford College softball team opened the 2020 season with a split on Saturday at William Peace University. The Quakers took game one, 7-1, and the Pacers won the nightcap, 7-2.

In the opener, GC got a fine performance from Katie McNeill (1-0) in the pitching circle. She tossed a complete game, allowed five hits and one unearned run in the seven innings.

Guilford plated three runs in the first inning and added four more scores in the fourth frame. Kylie Richardson had a double which scored two runners in the opening inning. Casey Bunting hit a grand slam home run to account for the runs in the fourth.

The Quakers had 11 hits in the contest. Natalie Conrad hit 3-for-5 and scored once. Kayli Blankenship was 3-of-5 and tallied two runs.

William Peace starter Daniel Hunt (0-1) allowed all seven runs and took the loss. Kristina Mojica singled home Lauren Conway (reached by error) for the Pacer’s run.

In game two, Katherine Murphy (1-0) held the Quakers to four hits. She tossed a complete game and is 1-0 on the season. Candice Smith went 3-4 to with a homer and three RBI lead Pacer hitters.

Abigayle Rowell (0-1) started for Guilford and took the loss. She gave up 10 hits and seven WPU runs. Conrad went 2-4 and scored both of GC’s runs. The Quakers scored in the first and fifth frames.

The Quakers (1-1) host Methodist University on Sunday (2/9). The home-opening doubleheader begins at 1 p.m.