The Belmont Abbey softball season came to an end today as the Crusaders lost both games of their games on the opening day of the Conference Carolinas Tournament, falling to top-seeded North Greenville 6-1 and then to Queens by a 5-1 score. Freshman Shannon Arthur provided all of the offense, hitting solo homers in both games. The Abbey ends its season with a record of 15-35.

"We didn't play our best today which we knew we had to do, Head Coach Ellie Hanover said. "All we can do is raise the bar for next year. We were picked to finish ninth in the preseason poll, so making the tournament was an accomplishment in itself. I am very proud of Kelly Schweizer, Chelsea Elmore and Katie Childers for all they have done for our program. Win or lose, we would not be who we are without them. They have shown class and respect every time they've stepped out on the field. It's been an absolute pleasure to coach these young ladies."

In the opener, North Greenville scored the first six runs of the game, plating three each in the second and third innings. Arthur clubbed a two out homer in the top of the sixth to close the scoring.

Laura Hopper picked up the win for North Greenville, allowing just one run on seven hits in seven innings. She struck out six and walked two. Nikki Faust took the loss after giving up six runs, three earned, on six hits in two and two-thirds innings. She fanned one and walked two.

Carol-Anne Sherrill led the Abbey with two hits as the Crusaders totaled seven.

In the elimination game against Queens, which lost to King in 12 innings in its first game, the Royals jumped ahead 3-0 in the bottom of the third and added single runs in the fifth and sixth. Arthur struck again in the top of the seventh with a two out solo homer.

Chantel Dodge went the distance in the circle for the Royals, allowing one run on two hits, striking out five and walking none. Emily Self took the loss after yielding three runs on seven hits in three and one-thirds innings, striking out one.

Sherrill and Arthur had both of the Abbey's hits.

North Greenville Box

Queens Box