Softball and Salem Each Take One, GC Powers Past in Game Two
Quakers break some Spirits in second game after falling in game one
from Reagan Hune, Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant at Guilford College
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Although the Guilford College softball team (3-5) showed resilient effort in the later innings in game one, they were unable to recover from a big second inning by Salem College (2-6), falling 10-4 at Blixt Field on Saturday evening. Game two was a different story as the Quakers erupted for 16 hits and 13 runs to crush the Spirits.
Game One:
Salem’s first-game victory came from Isabella Morales (1-2), who struck out three batters in seven innings despite giving up four runs (three earned) on nine hits. Kalissa Williams (Roanoke Rapids, N.C.) (0-2) took the loss for the Quakers, having trouble in 1.1 innings, allowing six runs (five earned) on three hits. Dillon Northen (Kernersville, N.C.) provided stability in relief, working 4.2 innings with four strikeouts, but Salem’s early lead proved too much to overcome.
Salem set it off in the second inning, scoring seven runs with a combination of solid hitting and Guilford errors. Reese Upton delivered a two-RBI double, while Carmen Duffey launched a two-run homer in the fifth to keep them in high…spirits. NeVaeha George contributed with two hits and an RBI, and Maleah Tate stole three bases and scored twice.
Guilford chipped away at the deficit, scoring in the second, fifth, and sixth innings. Olivia Shelton (Stokesdale, N.C.) sparked the offense with a triple, coming around to score in the sixth. Brooke Goyings (Lake Villa, Ill.) added two hits, an RBI, and a sacrifice fly as well. Salem’s strong base running and hitting secured the victory, capitalizing on Guilford’s one error.
Game Two:
Pitching wise, Abbey Whelan (Gaithersburg, Md.) (1-1) earned the win in relief, tossing 2.2 innings, allowing just one unearned run on three hits with three strikeouts. Arden Finney (Boonville, N.C.) threw 2.1 innings, allowing six runs (three earned), seven hits, with 44 pitches while Shiloh Gray (Lexington, N.C.) tossed 1.0 innings on nine pitches, allowing one run that was earned and a hit. Micah Wilson (Asheboro, N.C.) closed the game with a scoreless seventh inning. For Salem, Upton led the way with a home run and an RBI, while Olivia Porter (4-for-4, 2 RBIs, double) had a perfect day at the plate. Kayla Dick added a triple and a double, but Salem’s six defensive errors were their Achilles heel. Riley Dennis (1-3) took the loss for the Spirits, surrendering eight runs (six earned) on eight hits in three innings. Duffey pitched four innings in relief, giving up five runs (two earned).
The Quakers’ offense wasted no time, scoring nine runs over the first four innings to set the tone. Corryn McCutchen (Carthage, N.C.) (3-for-4, 4 runs, double) and Goyings (2-for-5, 2 RBIs, triple) provided the spark at the top of the lineup, while Gray (3-for-4, 2 RBIs, double) and Wilson (3-for-5, 3 RBIs) helped drive in runs throughout the game. After falling behind 3-1 in the first, Guilford responded with three runs in the third and a five-run explosion in the fourth, fueled by Goyings’ RBI triple and Wilson’s two-run single. The Quakers kept it pushing in the sixth and seventh, sealing the victory.
The key to a powerful offensive display was Guilford’s timely hitting and attacking the bases, which included five stolen bases.
GC has a quick turnaround as they make their way back to Haworth Field to battle the Monarchs of Methodist University on Sunday, March 2nd. First pitch is scheduled for 12 PM for game one and 2 PM for game two.
Abbey Whelan (Gaithersburg, Md.) (1-1)
#GoQuakes