Salem Softball competed in a home series against Southern Virginia University on Wednesday afternoon, falling by scores of 1-9 and 6-17.
Game 1:
Salem started out solid on defense, holding the Knights scoreless in the first three innings with key defense plays being made by Morgan Lawson at third, Maleah Tate in center field, and Camryn Clarke at second to end the first inning. Riley Dennis was a bright spot for the Spirits on the mound, striking out the side in the top of the second. While holding it down defensively, the Spirits were unable to gain momentum at the plate, despite a single from Lawson and a sacrifice bunt from Emma Greeson to move Lawson into scoring position in the bottom of the second. Salem strung a series of four hits together in the bottom of the third with Karma Morrison, Kayla Dick, Carlee Tart, and Maleah Tate all singling to reach base, however all were left stranded.
Southern Virginia took control at the plate in the top of the fourth scoring seven runs on six hits. Crucial outs were gathered by Clarke, Morrison, and Dick to end the rally. Greeson led off for the Spirits in the bottom of the fourth and earned the full count walk to reach base. Madison Talley then reached base on a ball hit to the left side and Greeson was brought home to score on an RBI grounder hit by Morrison. The Knights continued to remain steady at the plate and scored two runs on three hits in the top of the fifth. Key defensive plays were made by Clarke, Dick, and Tate to end the inning.
Despite their efforts, the Spirits were unable to cut into the deficit with the contest ending in five innings.
Game 2:
Southern Virginia picked up right where they left off and got the scoring going early in the first, scratching one run across the plate on one hit. Putouts for the Spirits were recorded by Tate in center field, Rheanne Tullock at second, and Morrison at first. Salem responded instantly in the bottom of the first, scratching two runs across the plate on three hits. Tart led off for the Spirits hitting a single to the left side, Tate then singled to move Tart into scoring position. Reese Upton then hit a two RBI double to left field to score Tart and Tate. After giving up the lead, the Knights responded in the top of the second with two runs on two hits and stranded two runners on base. Salem regained momentum at the plate in the bottom of the second, scoring four runs on three hits and left one runner on base. Greeson reached first on a ball hit to the left side, Chloe Bailey-Bonomo earned the full count walk, and Tart singled to score the pinch runner Clarke. Bailey-Bonomo then scored on a wild pitch and Tart advanced to second. Tate singled to the right side, Tart stole home, and Tate made her way to third with two stolen bases. Upton singled up the middle to score Tate from third.
Southern Virginia responded again with seven runs on nine hits in the top of the third. Significant defensive plays were made by Dick in right field, Tart at shortstop, and Dennis on the mound to end the rally. Salem was unable to respond at the plate in the bottom of the third, but reset defensively to hold the Knights scoreless in the top of the fourth. The Spirits remained cold offensively in the top of the fifth going three-up-three-down. Southern Virginia scored one run in the fifth, despite two early outs being gathered by Dick and Lawson. Lawson earned the four pitch walk to reach base in the bottom of the fifth before Morrison singled up the middle, however both runners were left stranded. Southern Virginia went on another offensive run in the top of the sixth scoring six runs on six hits. Defensive plays were made by Tullock and Dennis to end the inning.
Despite their efforts, the Spirits were unable to rally and battle back with the contest ending in six innings.
Stat Leaders:
Carlee Tart: 3 H, 1 RBI, 1 SB, 3 A
Maleah Tate: 3 H, 2 SB, 5 PO
Karma Morrison: 2 H, 1 RBI, 7 PO, 1 A
Riley Dennis: 5 SO
The Spirits will next be in action in a conference matchup at Away vs Greensboro College on April 18th at 3pm and 5pm.
