Softball | 2/21/2009 5:48:39 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.-  Methodist University softball bounced back early in the season with a doubleheader sweep over Guilford College Saturday afternoon.  The Monarchs had a 9-6 victory in the first game and closed with a 6-0 win in game two. 

Crystal Metzger led off the inning with a double and Kayla Talbert followed with a one out walk.  Both Metzger and Talbert scored when Sara Poling reached on an error.  Guilford tied the game when Samantha Golley produced a two run single in the top of the second.  

Methodist took the lead for good on a two run single by Alex Bass in the the third inning.  
The Monarchs added single runs in the fourth and fifth inning when Maggie Gaines had an RBI triple in the fourth and Jody Eyler had a RBI double in the latter.  Guilford tied the game for the second time at 6-6 with a four run sixth inning.  Methodist answered with three runs in the bottom of the inning to secure the 9-6 win.  Talbert, Poling, and Bass all drove in runs in the frame.  

Monarch pitcher Lesley Hewitt improved to 1-1 after allowing six runs on nine hits with two strike outs in the complete game victory.  Quaker pitcher Shelby Bowser  suffered the loss after alllowing five runs on eight hits in the final three innings. 

Talbert and Bass both went two for three at the plate in the win.  

Methodist opened the scoring in game two with a two run second inning.  The Monarchs added a run on a single by Tabatha Stephenson in the fourth.  Methodist capped the scoring with a three run fifth.  

Methodist pitcher Emily Beck went the distance, scattering nine hits over seven innings to improve to 
1-1.  Jessica Burcham surrendered six runs on three hits over five innings in the loss.  

The Monarchs return to action Friday when they host the Early Bird Tournament.   Action begins at 12:30 pm at Veterans Park in Fayetteville, N.C.