WALNUT CREEK, N.C.  Methodist softball was in the Grand Slam Triangle Classic, a large round robin invitational, on Saturday. The Monarchs were matched up against nationally rank, #25, Piedmont University in the morning before playing Kean University later on that evening.
 
Methodist pulled off the upset with a 2-1 victory over the Lions, in Game 1. The second contest saw the Monarchs dropping a narrow 1-0 loss to the Cougars.

THE ESSENTIALS
Final scores: Messiah def. Piedmont, 2-1; Kean def. Methodist, 1-0
Records: Methodist 7-5; #25 Piedmont 4-3; Kean 3-3
Location: Walnut Creek, North Carolina

HOW IT HAPPENED

• In Game 1, Piedmont got on the scoreboard in the third inning with an RBI single from Riley Ford.
• A couple of innings later the Monarchs scored their only two runs of this contest. First an error allowed Methodist to tie the ballgame up before some heads up baserunning by Hannah Lovick, who registered the eventual game-winning run, gave the lead to the Monarchs.
• Methodist starter Alyssa Barwick was in a tough pitcher's duel with her incumbent Emma McBrayer of the Lions. Both would go the distance as Barwick pitched seven innings and allowed one run on nine hits, while McBrayer gave up two runs (both unearned) on four hits in six innings of work.
• The lone run of Game 2 versus Kean came in the first inning. A Monarch error allowed the runner from third to score.
• Otherwise it was another battle of the rubber for Methodist. Freshman Kim Bordeaux got the start for the Monarchs and she threw six strong innings, allowing just three hits and one unearned run. The Cougars had Annabella Marino out there and she pitched all seven and surrendered four hits.

UP NEXT
Methodist returns to Price Field on Thursday for a non-conference doubleheader with Averett University. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.