RALEIGH, N.C. The Methodist softball team saw its 2026 season come to a close Friday at the USA South Tournament, splitting a pair of elimination games at the Meredith Softball Complex. The Monarchs opened the day with a 4–0 shutout victory over sixth-seeded William Peace University before falling to second-seeded Meredith College, 8–1.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final results: Methodist def. William Peace, 4–0; Meredith def. Methodist, 8–1
Records: Methodist 13–30, William Peace 18–22, Meredith 25–16
Location: Meredith Softball Complex; Raleigh, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED – VS WILLIAM PEACE
- Both teams threatened early, placing runners in scoring position throughout the opening three innings, but neither side was able to break through until the fourth inning.
- Methodist loaded the bases on a single and two walks before freshman Bailey Bettencourt worked a seven-pitch walk to force in the first run of the contest and give the Monarchs a 1–0 lead.
- The Monarchs added to their advantage in the fifth inning when senior Rachel Blanchard lifted a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring another run. Bettencourt delivered again in the sixth with a sacrifice fly of her own to extend the lead to 3–0.
- Methodist added an insurance run in the seventh inning after a pair of singles from seniors Hannah Lovick and Alyssa Rivas. An errant throw by the Pacers allowed Lovick to score from third, sealing the 4–0 victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED – VS MEREDITH
- Methodist struck first against Meredith in the second inning. With the bases loaded, senior Devan Wenger was hit by a pitch, forcing in the Monarchs' lone run of the contest.
- The Avenging Angels answered in the third inning in similar fashion, drawing a bases-loaded walk to tie the game 1–1.
- Meredith continued to pressure offensively over the next two innings, but Methodist pitcher Kiersten Margoupis repeatedly escaped trouble. In the fifth inning, Margoupis stranded the bases loaded with no outs to keep the game tied.
- The turning point came in the sixth inning when Meredith erupted for seven runs to pull away and take an 8–1 lead.
- Methodist mounted one final rally in the seventh, loading the bases after drawing three walks, but the Monarchs were unable to push a run across.
STAT FACTS
- Senior Kiersten Margoupis pitched 12 total innings across both games, allowing just two runs while striking out six batters. She tossed a complete-game shutout in the win over William Peace.
- Bettencourt led Methodist with two RBIs on the day.
- Seniors Haley Downes and Alyssa Rivas each recorded a hit in both contests.
