FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. & LYNCHBURG, Va. Methodist softball split its weekend non-conference slate, falling twice to Guilford College at Price Field on Saturday before bouncing back with a pair of road wins at Randolph College on Sunday.
THE ESSENTIALS
Saturday Final scores: Guilford def. Methodist, 2–0; Guilford def. Methodist, 7–5 (10 Inn.)
Sunday Final scores: Methodist def. Randolph, 5–2; Methodist def. Randolph, 11–3
Records: Methodist 4-6; Guilford 3-0-1; Randolph 0-2
Location: Price Field; Fayetteville, North Carolina & Randolph Softball Field; Lynchburg, Virginia
HOW IT HAPPENED – GAME 1 vs. Guilford
- The Monarchs were limited offensively in the opener, managing just one hit and three total base runners.
- Guilford broke through in the fourth inning, capitalizing on a Methodist error before adding a second run on a double. Despite solid pitching that kept the contest within reach, the Monarch bats were unable to generate a late rally.
HOW IT HAPPENED – GAME 2 vs. Guilford
- Guilford struck first with a bases-loaded walk in the opening frame, but Methodist responded in the second. With the bases loaded, a Quaker miscue allowed two runs to score, putting the Monarchs ahead 2–1.
- The teams traded momentum throughout regulation. Guilford tied the game in the third off an error, while Methodist regained a 3–2 edge in the fourth when senior Rachel Blanchard scored on an RBI single from fellow senior Haley Downes. The Quakers evened the score again in the sixth, forcing extra innings. Both teams plated a run in the eighth — Guilford on an RBI single and Methodist benefiting from another defensive miscue — to keep things knotted at 4–4.
- In the 10th, Guilford used a base hit, a passed ball, and a sacrifice bunt to produce three runs and take control. Methodist answered with an RBI single from junior Rachel Lawson but couldn't complete the comeback, falling 7–5.
HOW IT HAPPENED – GAME 1 vs. Randolph
- The Monarchs rebounded Sunday behind a big performance from Lawson. She delivered an RBI single in the first inning to open the scoring and added a two-run single in the second to build a 3–0 lead.
- Methodist extended its advantage with two more runs later in the game, including an RBI groundout from Downes and another run that scored during the same at-bat following a Randolph error.
- The Wildcats threatened with two runs in the sixth on three straight hits, but the Monarchs held firm to secure the 5–2 victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED – GAME 2 vs. Randolph
- Methodist carried its offensive momentum into the finale. Alyssa Rivas and Lawson set up the first run of the game before Downes drove in Rivas for a 1–0 lead. Randolph answered with two RBI hits in the bottom half to move in front 2–1.
- The Monarchs quickly responded with three runs in the second inning. Blanchard doubled in a run, Hannah Lovick added a sacrifice fly, and Rivas delivered an RBI single to cap the rally.
- After Randolph trimmed the margin to 4–3, Methodist gradually pulled away with runs in the fifth and sixth before erupting for five runs in the seventh to seal an 11–3 win.
NUMBERS
- Rachel Lawson led the offense over the weekend, going 6-for-14 with four RBIs, including a career-high three hits and three RBIs in the first game against Randolph.
- Downes, Lovick, and Rivas each totaled three RBIs across the four games.
- Kiersten Margoupis and Mia Wraight earned starting assignments against both opponents, with each picking up a win versus Randolph.
- Freshman Bailey Bettencourt recorded her first collegiate save in Sunday's finale, tossing 1.1 innings in relief.
UP NEXT
Methodist heads to the Triangle Softball Classic on Saturday, March 7. The Monarchs will face Sweet Briar College at 11 AM before taking on Piedmont University at 4 PM.
