GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNCG softball team split a doubleheader against Southern Conference rival Appalachian State, 3-1 and falling 6-1 in game two Saturday afternoon at the UNCG Softball Stadium.
The Spartans are now 28-11, 8-5 on the season while the Mountaineers are 21-14, 13-4 in the SoCon.
UNCG 3, Appalachian State 1
In game one, a clutch two-run pinch-hit double from Toni MacReynolds (Vienna, Va./James Madison) and a complete game two-hitter from redshirt junior Raeanne Hanks (Rainier, Ore./Rainier Senior) lead the Spartans to a 3-1 victory against the Mountaineers.
Hanks improved to 16-4 after throwing seven innings, allowing one earned run on two hits with 10 strikeouts. Alissa Schoelkopf fell to 13-8 after allowing two earned runs (one unearned) on nine hits.
The Spartans took the early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third after a throwing error that allowed Dominique Madruga (San Diego, Calif./Cathedral Catholic) to score from third. Madruga singled to centerfield to open the inning, while freshman Allison Geiner (Raleigh, N.C./Middle Creek) picked up a bunt single. Geiner stole second base when a throwing error by Appalachian State allowed Madruga to come home.
In the bottom of the fifth, MacReynolds delivered a two-run double to left center to give UNCG a 3-0 lead. Senior Eileen Horsmon (Dunkirk, Md./Northern) singled to right field to start the frame, while sophomore Tatiana Alcala (Oxnard, Calif./Pacifica) singled to left field to put runners on first and second. Madruga laid down a sacrifice bunt to move the runners to first and third. MacReynolds lined her 15th and 16th RBI of the season to give the Spartans two insurance runs.
The Mountaineers cut the lead to 3-1 after an RBI double from Sarah Warnock in the top of the sixth. Alex Sohl ended the no-hit bid with a single down the left field line to start the sixth inning. After a groundout, Warnock doubled to right center to plate Appalachian's first run of the game. With runners on second and third, Hanks got Allie Cashion swinging to end the threat.
Hanks finished the game with a 1-2-3 inning that included two strikeouts. Eight of the nine Spartan starters finish with a hit.
Appalachian State 6, UNCG 1
In game two, the Mountaineers used a key five-run first inning to take down the Spartans 6-1.
Hanks took the loss after allowing four earned runs in the fourth inning. Sophomore Erica Navarette (San Marcos, Calif./Mission Hills) did a nice job in relief throwing 5.2 innings, allowing one earned run on five hits. Shivaun Landeros picked up her eighth win of the season.
Appalachian State scored five runs on six hits in the top of the first inning that included a two-run home run from Alex Sohl. Warnock opened the game with a single up the middle, while Heichen reached on a bunt single to put runners on first and second. Lindsay Loudermilk plated the first run with a RBI single and Cashion earned a sacrifice fly to give the Mountaineers a 2-0 lead. Meghan Smith doubled home the third run, while Sohl lined a two-run home run to center to make it 5-0.
In the sixth inning, UNCG added a run off a fielding error by Appalachian State allowing senior Heather Robb (Apex, N.C./Middle Creek) to score from second base. Robb doubled to right center to start the rally and scored after an error allowed Horsmon to reach. Alcala singled to third base to put runners on first and second with no outs. MacReynolds made it bases loaded after reaching first on a fielder's choice. Freshman Nicole Thomas (Irvine, Calif./Northwood) pinch-hit and grounded into a fielder's choice. The Spartans would have the bases loaded still but two more groundouts ended the threat.
In the seventh inning, Appalachian State added an insurance run after Cashion doubled home Heichen to give the Mountaineers a 6-1 advantage.
Freshman Lindsay Thomas (Irvine, Calif./Northwood) picked up her second hit of the game with a single in the seventh but the Spartans couldn't get any closer.
UNCG concludes the three-game series with a single game Sunday, April 14 at 1 p.m. at the UNCG Softball Stadium.
Be sure to follow all updates about the UNCG softball season on www.uncgspartans.com or on twitter @UNCGsports/@UNCGsoftball.
