FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Hosting the Cougars of Averett University, the Methodist softball team earned one win and one loss during a doubleheader at home on Saturday. The Monarchs captured a walk–off victory in game one of the afternoon before suffering defeat in game two.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final scores: Methodist def. Averett, 8–7; Averett def. Methodist, 14–5
Records: Methodist 3–3; Averett 1–1
Location: Price Field; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED – GAME 1
- The Cougars scored the first run, matched by the Monarchs in the second inning on a Haley Downes RBI single. Averett scored a second run in the top of the third, but this time Methodist answered with a five–run frame. The Monarchs drew four walks and recorded three hits in the bottom of the third, taking a 6–2 lead.
- In the fourth, Devan Wenger batted in a run to put her team ahead by five. However, Averett retaliated in the sixth and seventh innings, coming from behind to tie the game at 7–7.
- With one out and runners on first and second in the bottom of the seventh, Rachel Blanchard doubled to right field, sending the winning run across the plate, which was scored by Alex Edwards.
HOW IT HAPPENED – GAME 2
- The Monarchs scored twice in the first inning, with Grace Hobbs recording an RBI single and Amanda Blackburn drawing a walk while the bases were loaded. Hannah Lovick and Rachel Blanchard both batted in one run each in the second inning, while Hobbs scored on a wild pitch to give Methodist a 5–1 lead.
- From there, things did not go well for the Monarchs as Averett tallied 13 runs unanswered runs across the ensuing four innings.
NUMBERS
- Blanchard had an incredible game–one performance, batting 4–for–5 with two doubles and two RBIs while scoring once. She now boasts five extra–base hits through six games this season.
- The Monarchs drew a grand total of 11 walks on the day, while Averett's batters reached base on balls just three times.
UP NEXT
The Monarchs return to Price Field on Sunday for a doubleheader with Sweet Briar College starting at 1 p.m.