Softball | 2/26/2011 8:00:55 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Methodist softball team dropped a tough 9-2 contest to nationally ranked Salisbury University, but bounced back to earn the 2-0 shutout over Eastern Mennonite University.

Salisbury scored an unearned run in the second and fourth innings to take the early lead before tacking on four runs in the sixth inning. Methodist's Jordan Adams sparked a two-out rally in the bottom of the inning when she broke up a no-hitter with a single to center and stole second. Gabrielle Howard followed up with a home run to left field to cut the lead to four runs.

The Sea Gulls followed up with three runs in the seventh to finish with the 9-2 win over the Monarchs. Adams and Howard both finished 1-for-2 for Methodist.

Brandi Weaver took the loss for Methodist pitching six innings scattering nine hits and two strikeouts. Candace Piner finished in relief.

In the final game of the day, Methodist struck first with a run in the third inning. Rebecca Harlan doubled down the left field line and Sarah Chapman singled through the right side to put runners on first and third. Adams' single scored Harlan for the 1-0 lead. The Monarchs added an insurance run in the sixth inning when Adams led off with a single and moved around the bases before scoring on Jody Eyler's sacrifice fly.

Adams finished 2-for-3 while Harlan and Chapman were 1-for-2 at the plate.

Alex Bass held the Royals to just three hits as she struck out five batters to finish with the complete game shutout.

Methodist will be back in action on Sunday when they host Roanoke for a doubleheader at 1 p.m.

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