COLUMBIA, S.C. - UNCG softball (1-0) brought the fireworks late in the game to secure a come-from-behind 5-3 win over North Dakota State (NDSU) on Saturday in Columbia. The matchup with the Bison was the first in program history and the team from Fargo, ND put the pressure on the Spartans through the first four innings. Freshmen Morgan Scott and Blayke Batten (1-for-3, HR, three RBI's) made the most of their UNCG debut's, showing the value they bring as rookies. Scott 

"I'm really proud of our team and the fight we showed today," head coach Janelle Breneman said. "We were down, but I tell you, we kept earning great at-bats and their pitcher did a great job keeping us off balance early on. In the fifth, Jasmine (Palmer) got us going with a hit, then we got a walk before Blayke came up in a pinch-hit situation. For her to come up in that spot, as a rookie, and hit a home-run was huge. One swing, three runs and it's a tie ballgame."

The Bison controlled the first three innings of play, out-hitting the Spartans, 6-1, and jumping out to a 3-0 lead to gain the early momentum. Spartans' RHP Kylie Bouplon got the start, allowing three runs on six hits with two strikeouts. Scott entered the circle for the Spartans to start the fourth inning. The Bison got two on base, but Scott was able to shut the door with a strikeout to get out of the jam. The Irmo, S.C. native concluded her first appearance with four innings pitched, five strikeouts, allowing no runs on two hits. Freshman pitcher Lainey Lyle was dealing through four innings for NDSU, finishing with 10 strikeouts before getting chased in the sixth. 

In the bottom of the fifth, RSr. Jasmine Palmer lined a single into left field, giving the Spartans the spark they needed. Following a Maycin Brown walk, team 35 got runners into scoring position at second and third for the first time. Batten was called upon in a pinch-hit situation, looking to make her mark in a crucial spot down the stretch. Patiently waiting, Batten took sent the third pitch of the at-bat deep over the left center wall for a game-tying three-run shot. Brown followed up in the sixth with a bloop single to shallow left to drive in Jordan Gontram. Katie Stettler earned an RBI on a fielder's choice and the Spartans took a 5-3 lead into the seventh. Scott secured her first win, punching out two of the three batters she faced to complete the comeback.  

UP NEXT
The Spartans return to Beckham Field, tomorrow for a two-game slate vs. Ohio State (12:30 p.m.) and South Carolina (3:00 p.m.).