Softball | 2/20/2011 7:49:44 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Methodist softball team is off to their best start in five years after earning two wins over Guilford College 6-0 and 7-5.

After four and half scoreless innings, Methodist rallied in the bottom of the fifth with an onslaught of offense. Senior pitcher Alex Bass helped herself with a lead-off double down the right field line and after Megan Ondrey came on to pinch run, Marcy McKee singled through the right side for Ondrey to score. Sarah Chapman singled and Jordan Adams laid down the perfect bunt single to load the bases. Katie Scheller and Katie Byrd drew walks and Jody Eyler reached on an error to keep the rally going. The Monarchs finished with six runs in the inning.

Guilford had base runners in the sixth and seventh innings, but Bass retired the necessary batters to hold on for the complete game shutout. She finished with three strikeouts and gave up six hits.

Chapman led the team at the plate hitting 2-for-3 with a RBI.

The Quakers took the early led in game two scoring two runs in both the second and third innings. They tacked on a fifth run in the third inning to lead 5-0.

Methodist battled back with another breakout inning, this time in the fourth. The Monarchs strung together eight hits all together. The Monarchs trailed 5-3 when Katie Byrd hit a bases loaded double to give Methodist the 6-5 lead. Saraha Young followed up with a single to score Byrd for a seventh run.

Once again Guilford had base runners in the final three innings, but the Monarchs held on for the 7-5 win.

Darci Martin went 3-for-4 at the plate while Chapman was 2-for-3 and Byrd went 2-for-4.

Brandi Weaver earned the win pitching 5.1 innings scattering 10 hits. Candace Piner finished in relief to earn the save.

The Monarchs will be back in action on Tuesday when they travel to Virginia Wesleyan.

Box Score 1
Box Score 2