Must-See Performances From Gray & Williams Against Pfeiffer, Softball Stuns in Split
Gray’s complete-game & Williams’ three-run blast power a thrilling game-two victory after losing close battle in game one versus the No. 17 Falcons
from Reagan Hune, Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant at Guilford College
MISENHEIMER, N.C. – The Guilford College softball team (7-7) gave nationally ranked Pfeiffer University (12-4) all they could handle in game one of Wednesday’s doubleheader, but the Falcons edged out a 4-3 walk-off victory at Jack Ingram Field. However, the Quakers rode a dominant pitching performance from Shiloh Gray (Lexington, N.C.) and a clutch three-run homer from Kalissa Williams (Charlotte, N.C.) to take down a top region opponent, 3-1, in game two.
Game One:
On the mound, Abbey Whelan (Gaithersburg, Md.) (3-2) battled through 6.1 innings, allowing just one earned run on four hits while striking out one. Whelan worked through defensive errors to keep Guilford within striking distance until the end. Emma Bullin (6-2) earned the win for Pfeiffer, throwing a complete game while allowing eight hits and three runs (one earned) with two strikeouts.
The Quakers rallied late to tie the game in the top of the seventh and even took the lead while Olivia Shelton (Stokesdale, N.C.) had an unearned run to make it 3-2, but Pfeiffer capitalized on a Guilford miscue in the bottom half to secure the win. Despite the loss, Guilford showcased its resilience, outhitting Pfeiffer 8-4 and delivering key performances on both sides of the ball. Brooke Goyings (Lake Villa, Ill.) sparked the offense, going 2-for-4 with a run scored. Chloee Stoner (Salisbury, N.C.) added two hits and a run, while Riley Murrish (Boerne, Texas) came through with a clutch RBI single in the seventh to pull the Quakers even. Kaci Johnson (Winterville, N.C.) and Gray also contributed RBIs, with Gray’s sixth-inning single helping Guilford chip away at Pfeiffer’s lead.
Pfeiffer was led by Landry Stewart, who finished 2-for-3 with two runs scored and a stolen base. The Falcons took advantage of Guilford’s late defensive hiccups, using clutch hits like a sacrifice fly from Alyssa Broaddus and an RBI single by Emma Chopko to seize the momentum. In the bottom of the seventh, Pfeiffer plated two runs, both unearned, following a throwing error and Chopko’s game-winning hit to escape with the victory.
Game Two:
Gray (2-3) was stellar in the circle, tossing a complete game and allowing just four hits and one earned run while striking out two. Gray ruffled the Falcons’ feathers all afternoon while Peyton Lane (5-1) took the loss, allowing three earned runs on six hits in six innings pitched.
Goyings finished 1-for-3 with a double and a run, while Johnson went 2-for-3 with a run scored. Williams paced the offense with three RBIs on her home run. Shelton also added a hit for the Quakers. For Pfeiffer, Chopko led the Falcons with her solo home run, and Kenzi Lyall and Charly Cooper each collected hits.
After five scoreless innings, Guilford broke through in the top of the sixth. Goyings got things started with a two-out double, followed by a single from Johnson. Williams then delivered the decisive blow, crushing a three-run home run to right center, her first of the season and career, to give the Quakers a 3-0 lead.
Pfeiffer managed to get their lick back in the bottom of the sixth on a solo home run by Chopko, but Gray and the Quaker defense shut the door, retiring the final three batters in order in the seventh. The Quakers’ defense was flawless, committing no errors, and turning in several key plays to preserve the lead.
GC will venture across town to clash with rival Greensboro College on Wednesday, March 19th. First pitch for game one is set for 3 PM and 5 PM for game two.
#GoQuakes