FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- Chloe Hespeler pitched a complete-game shutout and tied a season high with four strikeouts as the Methodist softball team split a doubleheader with N.C. Wesleyan at Price Field on Wednesday afternoon. The Monarchs were defeated in game one, 4-0, before picking up a 1-0 win in the nightcap.
 
In game two, the Monarchs (5-21, 2-8) scored the lone run of the contest in the third frame. After Savannah Dunn led off the inning with a walk, Emily Hester laid down a sacrifice bunt to move her to second. Jessica Orwick hit a double over the head of the left fielder to score the run. The Monarchs loaded the bases in the following inning, but could not capitalize.
 
Hespeler earned her third win of the season after tossing all 7.0 innings in the circle. She allowed four hits and tied a season high with four strikeouts. Shelby Godwin was saddled with the loss as she pitched all 6.0 innings and walked seven batters and allowed one run on three hits
 
Orwick drove in the only run as she went 1 for 2 at the plate. Allyson Aycock recorded a hit, while Hespeler had a hit with a pair of walks. Hester also drew two walks in the victory.

In game one, NCWC plated three runs in the top of the third inning after collecting four hits and taking advantage of two errors by the Monarchs. The Bishops added another run in the seventh frame on a sacrifice fly to center field, 4-0.
 
The Monarchs were held to three hits in the contest, but drew a season high nine walks. MU also stranded 12 runners in the opener.
 
Samantha Jacobs, Aycock and Dunn each recorded hit. Orwick and Hannah Key both drew two walks.
 
Aly Thomas pitched a complete game but allowed four runs (2 ER) while scattering seven hits in the loss. Logan Lowery received the win after throwing a complete-game shutout, allowing only three hits.
 
Methodist returns to action tomorrow, March 23, with a doubleheader at Mary Baldwin beginning at 2 pm.
 
 
 
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