The Belmont Abbey softball team split a Conference Carolinas doubleheader with the visiting Lees-McRae Bobcats, dropping the opener 1-0 on an unearned run and taking the nightcap 3-0 in five innings. All four of the runs scored in the doubleheader came in the first inning. The second game was stopped after an ice storm moved into the area. Belmont Abbey is now 4-10 overall and 1-1 in league play, while Lees-McRae is 2-14 overall and 1-1 in Conference Carolinas.

In the opener, Lees-McRae scored the only run of the game in the first inning as it took advantage of an Abbey error. Brooke Sheridan reached on a one out single, stole second and scored on an Abbey throwing error.

The Crusaders had a chance to get on the board in the bottom of the frame as they loaded the bases with two outs, but a groundout to second ended the threat. One inning later, after Samantha Jacobs struck out the side in the top of the frame, the Crusaders again had a chance to score. Courtney Barrineau ripped a one out double to left and moved to third on a groundout, but another groundout ended the inning.

Jacobs was the tough luck loser as she fanned six and allowed just one hit, Sheridan's single in the first. Hollie Crickenberger earned the win as she tossed a complete-game shutout, striking out nine.

In game two the Abbey struck three times in the bottom of the first as Carol-Anne Sherrill led off with a single and moved to second on a walk to Hannah Bright. Nikki Faust followed with a single to load the bases, and then Sherrill was cut down at the plate on a grounder to shortstop for the first out. Emily Self then provided Catelyn Presley the only run she would need with an RBI single to center, scoring Bright. Barrineau made it 3-0 when she reached on an error, allowing Nikki Faust and Amber Faust to score.

The Crusaders had a chance to add more damage as Shanie McConnell singled to load the bases, but two strikeouts ended the inning.

Presley allowed two hits as she struck out three batters and did not issue a walk. Crickenberger took the loss after giving up three runs, one earned, on eight hits in four innings.

Game 1 Box

Game 2 Box