Fredericksburg, Va. - Freshman Beth Braswell drove in four runs and picked up a win on the mound Wednesday afternoon, helping her NCWC softball team split a non-conference doubleheader at the University of Mary Washington. The Eagles earned a come-from-behind 7-5 victory in the opener, while the Bishops rebounded for an 8-2 win in a shortened nightcap.
GAME 1: UMW 7, NCWC 5
Wesleyan seemed to be in control in the opener, taking a 5-1 lead into the late innings. In the bottom of the sixth, however, UMW erupted for six runs on five hits to chase Bishop starter Logan Lowery (2-4) who had dominated to that point. Lowery had allowed just one run on four hits with seven strikeouts through the first five frames. The Eagles' rally allowed them to out-hit the Bishops 9-7 in the game and steal the come-from-behind victory. Junior Shelby Godwin went 2-for-3 to lead NCWC on offense.
GAME 2: NCWC 8, UMW 2 (5 innings)
The Bishops opened up a quick 5-0 lead in their first at-bat of game two, with Braswell and senior Peyton Hyler each delivering RBI-singles to get things started. Freshman Autumn Bateman ripped a two-run triple to cap the rally, while Braswell gave Wesleyan some insurance runs with RBIs in both the second and fourth innings. Freshman Nichole Mooney paced the Bishop offense with a 3-for-3 showing at the plate with a trio of runs scored. Braswell (4-1) proceeded to hold the Eagles in check on the mound, allowing just one earned run on three hits with nine Ks.
The Bishops now own a 7-5 record heading into this weekend's USA South opener at Meredith College. Saturday's league twinbill is slated for a 1:00pm start in Raleigh.