CHATTANOOGA, TENN. - The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) softball team held on for its 11th shutout of the season behind a 1-0 defensive battle over fourth-seeded Western Carolina on Thursday afternoon at Frost Stadium during the 2023 Southern Conference (SoCon) Tournament.
 
The Spartans' Maddie Spell struck out five batters and retired 14-straight during the game for her 11th victory of the season.
 
UNCG is now 35-20 overall, while Western Carolina is 21-25.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Catamounts had one hit the top of the first, as the Spartans loaded the bases in the bottom of the frame and left the inning scoreless.
 
In the circle, Maddie Spell struck out five batters between the first and the fifth innings, keeping Western Carolina scoreless.
 
After a leadoff double to center field in the bottom of the sixth from Jessie Shipley, she advanced to third on a ground out from Maycin Brown. With runners on first and third after a walk, Meredith Harwood pinch hit and grounded out to third to score Shipley for a 1-0 lead.
 
Spell retired 14-straight batters from the third to the seventh closing out the game for the win.
 
NOTES:

• Brooklynn Maxwell went 1-for-4.
• Delaney Cumbie swung 1-for-3.
• Shipley went 1-for-3 with one run scored.
• Jaden Cheek went 1-for-3.
• Maxwell, Cumbie, and Shipley each had a double.

PITCHING RECORDS
Maddie Spell: W, 11-5
Taylor Norton: L, 2-6
 
ON DECK
UNCG awaits its next opponent in the 2023 SoCon Tournament, as the Spartans will battle the winner of the No. 2 Samford/No. 6 Chattanooga game.
 
The Spartans will play at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, Friday, May 12 at Frost Stadium.