BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – UNCG softball (43-11, 13-3) dropped the series finale 6-5 to the Samford Bulldogs (18-36, 7-9) on Sunday at Samford Softball Stadium. Winning on a two-out RBI-single to left field, the Bulldogs scored three unanswered runs to end the game.

Samford struck first with a three-run homer to left field in the bottom fourth inning. The home run followed a fielding error with two outs.

UNCG responded the next inning with its own three-run homer to left field. Becca Kale was hit by a pitch, and Rachael McClaskey beat out a throw from the third baseman for an infield single. After a fielder's choice from Jasmine Palmer and fly out, Marisa Sholtes hit her second homer of the weekend and team-high 15th of the year to left field. The Spartans then took the lead after Gabi Cubbage walked and Jordan Gontram hit a homer to centerfield. The two-run shot was the third in the last two games and 13th of the season from Gontram and also her 11th RBI of the series.

The Bulldogs tied the game up in the bottom of the inning. With one out, Samford got a double, RBI-triple and an RBI-single on three-straight pitches. 

Kylie Bouplon started the game and gave up no earned runs, three hits and no walks with four strikeouts. Hannah Stiltner relieved her to start the fifth inning and allowed three runs, five hits and no walks with two strikeouts.

UNCG finished the game with five hits with just two outside of the fifth inning and left five on base comparted to just two by Samford. 

The Spartans head into the Southern Conference Tournament next week, which it hosts, as the No. 1 seed with a first round bye. UNCG will open up against No. 4 Chattanooga or No. 5 Samford in the second game on Thursday at approximately 12:30 p.m.

-- UNCG –