CENTRAL, S.C. – The Belmont Abbey softball team extended its winning streak to four games with a doubleheader sweep of Southern Wesleyan Friday in Conference Carolinas play.
The Crusaders earned a 3-0 victory in Game 1 before rallying back for a 9-7 win in nine innings in Game 2.
Belmont Abbey moved to 18-7 overall and 5-3 in the conference while Southern Wesleyan is 2-19, 1-7.
GAME 1
- All of Belmont Abbey's runs came in the fifth inning, starting with a leadoff single from Hailey Gass.
- The Crusaders were able to load the bases and got on the board when Payton Whitley drew a walk with the bases loaded.
- That was followed with a two-run single by Sydney Pon to make it 3-0 in favor of the Crusaders.
- Abby Craver and Alannah Browne combined to earn the shutout for the Crusaders.
GAME 2
- The Crusaders got off to a good start in Game 2 with a three-run first inning.
- Two runs came in on a wild pitch and passed ball, respectively, while Maddie Phillips added an RBI single.
- Payton Whitley added an RBI single in the second inning to make it 4-0 in favor of the Crusaders.
- Trailing 5-4 in the top of the seventh inning, Hallie Mele pulled the Crusaders even with a leadoff home run to left field.
- Pon gave The Abbey a 7-5 lead later in the inning with a two-run single.
- The Crusaders regained the lead in the ninth when Mele and Phillips scored on a fielding error.
- Belmont Abbey forced three straight pop-ups in the ninth to end the game.
- Mele and Presley each had two hits in the second game.
UP NEXT
The Crusaders continue their extended road trip with a doubleheader at North Greenville Saturday beginning at 1 p.m.