LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Spalding softball hosted their first SLIAC games on Saturday. The Golden Eagles faced Greenville University and earned the sweep. Spalding won 5-2 and 10-2 over the Panthers.
SU moved to 10-12 (2-0 SLIAC), while Greenville fell to 15-5 (0-2 SLIAC).
GAME ONE - SPALDING 5, GREENVILLE 1
It was a slow start for the Golden Eagles, as Greenville scored a run early. As the fifth inning approached, neither team could score another run.
Karlee Terral got SU rolling by hitting a single.
Jenni Beasley followed by reaching base on a fielder's choice and advanced to second on an error by the Panther's defense. Grace Marcum stepped into the box and hit a ball to center field. This advanced Beasley home for SU to grab their first run of the game.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Golden Eagles had a rally.
Allison Nell singled up the middle to get things going for SU. Nell proceeded to steal and make it to second base.
Hayleigh Gnagie followed with a single up the middle that sent Nell home. This gave Spalding the lead for the first time. Another error by Greenville allowed
Brooklynn Nolot to reach first. Terral, once again, came up big for the Golden Eagles. She hit another single to center field, allowing two more runners to score. SU's lead extended, 4-1. Beasley ended the inning by hitting a double to left field. This gave SU another run, giving them the lead 5-1. Spalding held strong and took the win, 5-1.
GAME TWO - SPALDING 10, GREENVILLE 2
Once again, the Golden Eagles had a slow start. Greenville scored first in the top of the first inning. In the bottom of the second, SU finally snagged a run.
Carsyn Sidebottom singled, which allowed
Dawn Wilson to make it home. In the bottom of the third, SU took control of this game. Marcum began the rally by hitting a triple to right center field.
Bella Velez followed with a single, sending Marcum home and giving SU the lead, 2-1.
Makenna Roush came in for Velez as a pinch runner.
Madison Loechle doubled to left field, allowing Roush to score to extend Spalding's lead. It was a rough day for the Greenville pitcher as she walked the next two batters to load the bases. Wilson bunted, advanced all the runners, and gave SU another run. At this moment, SU had all the momentum. Terral once again stepped into the box. She continued her amazing weekend with another double and sent three more runners home. It was pure dominance for Spalding at this point of the game. As the inning ended, SU had the lead, 7-1.
Greenville scored another run in the fifth inning to make it 7-2. It did not take long for Spalding to regain their momentum. In the bottom of the sixth, SU wanted to end this game. Terral once again reached first base off of a single. Beasley continued her great weekend with another double. As Marcum and Velez stepped up to the plate, they were both walked, sending another SU runner home. A costly error by the Panthers ended this game. SU took the win, 10-2.
GOLDEN EAGLE NOTES
- Karlee Terral hit 5-8 (.625 batting average) and tallied four RBIs.
- Michaela Ferman tallied seven strikeouts and only allowed one run in seven innings.
- Spalding starts SLIAC play undefeated.
NEXT FOR SPALDING
Spalding will travel to Terre Haute, Indiana, to face Rose-Hulman. First pitch will take place at 5:30 p.m.
