Softball | 2/25/2011 9:42:39 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Methodist opened the Early Bird Invitational with two losses on day one. After taking an early lead, the Monarchs lost 3-1 to Piedmont before falling to Lynchburg 7-4. 

The Monarchs scored the first run of the game against Piedmont on an unearned run, but the Lions came back and tied it up in the bottom of the first. Methodist loaded the bases in the second, but came up empty. The game was deadlocked at one until Piedmont went ahead 3-1 in the sixth after stringing together three hits.

Jordan Adams hit 2-for-3 in the game and Sarah Chapman was 1-for-2. Brandi Weaver took the loss for the Monarchs scattering five hits in five innings pitched.

Lynchburg took the early 3-0 advantage in game two after scoring a run in the second and two in the fourth. Methodist countered with three runs in the sixth. Alex Bass led off with a single and Raevin Harvey came on to pinch run before Kimber Hall hit a home run to right field. The Monarchs added a third run after capitalizing on a single from Gabrielle Howard and two walks.

The Hornets broke the tie with a lead-off home run in the sixth before tacking on three additional runs for the 7-3 lead. Methodist tried to rally in the seventh behind Hall's second home run, but came up short 7-4.

Hall finished 2-for-2 while Bass went 2-for-3 at the plate. Bass took the loss in the circle pitching five innings with four strikeouts and six hits.

Methodist will be back in action on Saturday with games against Salisbury and Eastern Mennonite.

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