Rocky Mount, N.C. - The Battling Bishop softball team opened its 2018 season on Sunday afternoon, posting a two-game sweep of Piedmont International University at Edge Field. Senior pitcher Logan Lowery and freshman hurler Beth Braswell earned the wins in the circle, combining for 16 strikeouts and allowing no earned runs over 12 innings of work.
GAME 1: NCWC 10, PIU 0 (6 innings)
Senior Peyton Hyler went 3-for-3 with a homer and five RBI to pace Wesleyan in a 10-0 rout. Hyler's two-run homer off the left field foul pole in the first inning was followed a two-run double by junior Shelby Godwin, while her bases-clearing double in the sixth ended the game an inning early. Freshman Meredith Mize also had a stellar game, making the most of her collegiate debut with a 3-for-4 showing at the plate. Lowery did the rest on the mound, scattering a pair of hits and striking out ten over six complete.
GAME 2: NCWC 7, PIU 2
Braswell was impressive in her collegiate pitching debut, striking out six and walking none to help NCWC secure the 7-2 victory. The freshman also went 2-for-4 at the plate, while newcomers Meredith Smith and Erica Reddeck combined to go 4-for-5 and drive in six of Wesleyan's runs.
The Bishops return to action on Tuesday at top-ranked Virginia Wesleyan University. Game one is slated for a 2:00pm start.