Early Homers Push UNCG Softball Past Lehigh, 5-2
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) softball team kept the lead throughout a 5-2 victory over Lehigh on Sunday in non-conference play at UNCG Softball Stadium.
The Spartans are now 18-12 overall with their third-straight win.
Lehigh did little damage in the top of the first, with just one walk as Salem Ward retired the side.
In the bottom of the first, UNCG’s Kaylyn Belfield led off with a single and Macy Michael moved her over to second on a sacrifice bunt.
Following a walk drawn by Nya South, Laney Deane crushed a 1-1 count over the center field wall for a three-run homer to put the Spartans up 3-0. This was Deane’s seventh home run of the season.
The Mountain Hawks stranded runners on in the top of the second and third, but UNCG’s defense performed, keeping them from moving Lehigh around the bases.
In the bottom of the third, Macy Michael led off with a solo homer to right center field to give UNCG a 4-0 advantage and adding to her season total to six home runs.
After UNCG switched pitchers in the top of the fifth, Lehigh drew back-to-back walks, before UNCG got its first out.
The Mountain Hawks’ Sydney Parlett reached by way of a fielder’s choice and the high throw advanced Maia D’Amico across home plate to cut the deficit to three, 4-1.
UNCG earned a run back in the bottom of the sixth with two outs and the bases loaded. Rylie Williams drove the ball out to left field for a sacrifice fly that scored Layla Carr from third for a 5-1 advantage.
Lehigh threatened in the seventh putting the first two batters on base by way of a single and a walk, but Nya South at first extended her arm to catch a high line drive doubling up the Mountain Hawks at first.
Kelly Fricker then singled with two outs, putting runners on the corners and Parlett’s base knock to left field pushed across a run for Lehigh, 5-2.
Nadia Andarowski, in relief, got out of the game with a pop up to extend the Spartans’ win streak to three.
PITCHING RECORD
Salem Ward: W, 4-5
Addison Moorman: L, 5-3
UP NEXT
UNCG will host Southern Mississippi in a midweek game on Wednesday, March 18, at 4:00 p.m. at UNCG Softball Stadium.
Courtesy of Denise Archetto
Assistant Athletic Director For Strategic Communications
UNC Greensboro