BELMONT, N.C. -- Adison Yoder retired the first 14 batters she faced, falling one hit short of a perfect game, and Mackenzie Sprinkle drove in five runs as Belmont Abbey split a Conference Carolinas softball doubleheader with Converse Wednesday afternoon at Crusader Field. The Abbey won the first game 12-0 in five innings, but fell in the second 12-3.

The results leave the Crusaders 11-21 overall and 6-10 in league play, while the Valkyries are 13-25, 4-10.

THE OPENER

• Adison Yoder pitched one over the minimum, allowing only a fifth-inning single to the 16 batters she faced. Perfect through 4.1 innings, she struck out four in improving to 7-6.
• Mackenzie Sprinkle went 3-for-4 with five runs batted in, including a three-run home run in a six-run fourth. Sydney Pon also went 3-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored. 
• Trinity Wall and Bailey Presley had two hits apiece as part of a 14-hit attack by the Crusaders.
• Belmont Abbey scored two in the first, one in the second and 6 in third to seize control.

THE NIGHTCAP

• Mackenzie Allison went 2-for-4 with two runs batted in. Pon also had two hits and driving in a run and scoring one.
• Hallie Mele, Giovana Rodriguez and Presley also had hits.
• Belmont Abbey took a 1-0 lead in the third on Pon's double down the left field line, but Converse answered with five in the fourth and five in the fifth to lead 10-1.
• Yoder (7-7) took the loss as she started and went 3.2 innings. She allowed four hits and four runs (three earned), while striking out one.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey now faces 10 days off for Easter Break.
• The Crusaders return to action April 14 against Southern Wesleyan at Crusader Field.