GREENSBORO, N.C. The Methodist softball team suffered two more USA South setbacks Sunday afternoon against Greensboro College. The Monarchs dropped a narrow 5–4 extra-inning decision in Game One before falling 5–0 to the Pride in Game Two at Barber Park.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final scores: Greensboro def. Methodist, 5–4 (9 Inn.); Greensboro def. Methodist, 5–0
Records: Methodist 6–18 (2–4 USA South); Greensboro 11–11 (2–2 USA South)
Location: Barber Park; Greensboro, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED – Game 1
- Greensboro opened the scoring in the first inning, plating one run to take an early 1–0 lead.
- Methodist answered in the third inning when senior Rachel Blanchard delivered a solo home run over the right-field fence, tying the game 1–1 after an eight-pitch at-bat.
- Blanchard struck again in the fourth inning to put the Monarchs in front. After two hits and a Greensboro error loaded the bases, she lined a single to drive in two runs and give Methodist a 3–1 advantage.
- The Pride responded in the bottom half of the inning with two runs to even the contest at 3–3. The game remained deadlocked through regulation, forcing extra innings.
- Both teams scored once in the eighth, with Minnie Johnson driving in Haley Downes on a single for the Monarchs. Greensboro ultimately walked it off in the ninth inning to secure the 5–4 victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED – Game 2
- The second game proved more difficult offensively for the Monarchs, who were limited to just three hits.
- Methodist did manage to put runners in scoring position on two occasions but could not convert those opportunities into runs.
- Greensboro's offense, meanwhile, collected 11 hits and used consistent pressure at the plate to score five runs and complete the doubleheader sweep.
NUMBERS
- Blanchard led the Monarch offense, finishing 3-for-5 on the day with three RBIs.
- Blanchard and junior Kealey Wade were the only Methodist players to record hits in both games of the doubleheader.
UP NEXT
Methodist wraps up its current road stretch Thursday, April 2, traveling to Averett University in a non-conference doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 2 PM.
