UNCG’s Salem Ward Strikes Out 10 in 3-0 Shutout Over Merrimack
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) softball team opened its 2025 slate with a 3-0 shutout over Merrimack College on Thursday at the UNCG Softball Stadium.
The Spartans are now 4-2 this season.
Macy Michael was the only Spartans with a multi-hit game swinging 2-for-2 with one run scored, one RBI and one home run.
Six other Spartans recorded one hit each.
Jessie Shipley (1-for-4) and Rylie Williams (1-for-3) each had a RBI.
In her fourth complete game of her career, Salem Ward struck out a season-high 10 batters, giving up only one walk and four hits.
This was her second-collegiate game with 10 or more strikeouts. On March 3, 2024, Ward struck out a career-best 11 batters in a 3-1 nine-inning game.
Both teams were able to get runners on in the first inning, but both went scoreless.
In the bottom of the fourth with one out, Michael crushed her fourth-career home run down the left field line for a 1-0 advantage.
The Spartans capitalized on another run in the bottom of the fifth as Shipley tripled to left field bringing home Samantha Beck for a 2-0 lead. This was Shipley’s fifth triple of her career.
Williams added another run to UNCG’s tally with a single to first base that scored Meredith Harwood from second after her double to center field, 3-0.
Ward retired three of the four batters in the top of the seventh leaving one from Merrimack on on base to hold on for a 3-0 victory.
PITCHING RECORDS
Salem Ward: W, 2-0
Cecelia Imbimbo: L, 0-1
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The Spartans continue with their four-team tournament at the UNCG Softball Stadium this weekend in the Spiro Classic. UNCG is scheduled to play Saint Francis (12:30 p.m.) and Merrimack (5:30 p.m.) on Friday. The Spartans will then play Toledo on Sunday (12:30 p.m.) to wrap up the tournament.
Stay up to date with the latest changes by clicking here for the tournament central.
Courtesy of Denise Archetto
Assistant Athletic Director For Strategic Communications
UNC Greensboro