Salem Softball competed in a home series against William Peace University on Saturday afternoon, losing by scores of 4-8 and 3-7. 

Game 1: 

William Peace got the scoring going early, scratching two runs across the plate on three hits in the top of the first. Key defensive plays were made by Emma Greeson in right field, Karma Morrison at first, and Camryn Clarke at second to end the rally. Reese Upton was a bright spot for the Spirits offensively in the first, hitting a two out double to right-center, but was left stranded. Salem reset defensively to hold the Pacers scoreless in the second inning with outs being recorded by Greeson, Carlee Tart at shortstop, and Riley Dennis on the mound. Morrison cashed in on a one out single in the bottom of the second that was followed up by an RBI double to left-center from Greeson to score Morrison from first. Clarke reached base on a ball hit up the middle and brought Greeson home to score. Tart then doubled to move Clarke to third, however, both runners were left stranded. The third inning was another solid defensive inning for the Spirits holding William Peace scoreless with Tart gathering two of the three outs at short. Salem was unable to gain momentum at the plate in the third, going three-up-three-down. 

The Pacers strung a series of three hits together in the top of the fourth to scratch five runs across the plate and left one on base. Defensive plays were made by Morgan Lawson securing a diving catch at third, Maleah Tate in center field, and Greeson coming in to make the catch in right. The Spirits were able to scratch one run across the plate in the fourth, with Morrison earning the lead off walk and Greeson reaching first on a ball hit to the right side. Tart then hit an RBI double to right-center to score Morrison from second. The fifth inning was another good defensive inning for Salem, thanks to the efforts of Lawson, Clarke, and Tart. The Spirits went cold at the plate in the bottom of the fifth also going three-up-three-down. William Peace extended their lead by scratching one run across the plate in the top of the sixth on two hits and stranded two runners on base. Tart was a bright spot for the Spirits defensively, with the heads up play to tag the runner advancing to third and end the inning. Madison Talley led off for Salem in the bottom of the sixth with a single that was followed up by a single from Greeson, however, both runners were left on. Salem held the Pacers scoreless in the seventh inning with outs being recorded by Greeson, Clarke, and Tart. The Spirits began to mount their comeback in the bottom of the seventh with Tart cashing in on a lead off double. Tate then singled and stole second to move both runners into scoring position. Lawson hit an RBI grounder to second base to score Tart and move Tate to third. 

Despite their efforts, the Spirits were unable to mount a full comeback with the contest ending after seven innings.

Game 2:

William Peace picked up right where they left off following the break and put one run on the board in the top of first on two hits. The Spirits were unable to instantly respond at the plate in the bottom of the first going three-up-three-down. Salem refocused on defense to hold the Pacers scoreless in the second inning, with key defensive plays being made by Tate in center field and Tart at shortstop. Salem remained cold at the plate in the bottom of the second, going three-up-three-down. Defensively the Spirits remained locked in with a quick third inning thanks to the efforts of Tart, Kayla Dick, and Clarke. Greeson continued to swing a hot bat and hit a lead off single in the bottom of the third. Dick laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Greeson into scoring position. Greeson then advanced to third on a passed ball and was brought home to score by Tart's RBI single. 

With runners in scoring position, the Pacers were held scoreless in the top of the fourth thanks to a double play with Tate securing the catch in center and firing the ball home just in time to Upton to tag the runner from third. In the bottom of the fourth, Upton singled and stole second for the Spirits, but was unable to score. William Peace finally gained momentum at the plate in the top of the fifth to take the lead scoring two runs on three hits. Salem was unable to respond at the plate in the bottom of the fifth going three-up-three-down. The Pacers were unable to add to their lead in the sixth, with a double play being turned by Tart at short to end the inning. The Spirits finally gained momentum at the plate to tie the game at three in the bottom of the sixth. Clarke led off for Salem and cashed in on a four pitch walk that was followed by a single from Tart. Tate then singled and advanced to second on a defensive miscue that also brought Clarke and Tart home to score. Upton walked to reach first before stealing second and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt from Amy McLamb. With the game tied in the seventh inning the Pacers took control and scored four runs on four hits. Crucial defensive plays were made by Lawson, Tart, and Clarke to end the rally. 

Despite their efforts and a one out single from Greeson in the bottom of the seventh, the Spirits were unable to respond after giving up the lead with the contest ending in seven innings.  

Stat Leaders:

Carlee Tart: 5 H, 2 RBI, 8 PO, 8 A

Emma Greeson: 4 H, 1 RBI, 3 PO, 1 A

Maleah Tate: 2 H, 1 SB, 4 PO, 1 A

The Spirits will next be in action in a conference matchup at Home vs Southern Virginia University on April 15th at 2pm and 4pm.