Salem Softball competed in a home series against Greensboro College on Saturday afternoon, losing by scores of 1-9 and 0-14.
Game 1:
Salem was unable to strike first in the top of the first, despite a two out walk being drawn by Reese Upton who then stole second. Greensboro was also scoreless in the bottom of the first going three-up-three-down with outs being recorded by Carlee Tart at short stop and Madison Talley on the mound. Emma Greeson led off for the Spirits in top of the second with a single up the middle to reach base. Talley then laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Greeson into scoring position who was left stranded from there. Greensboro gained momentum at the plate in the bottom of the second, scoring six runs on six hits with one runner left on base. Defensive plays were made by NeVaeha George in left field, Maleah Tate in center field, and Tart at short. Salem was unable to respond with runs of their own in the top of the third going three-up-three-down at the plate. The Spirits reset on defense to hold the Pride scoreless in the third with three quick outs recorded by Riley Dennis on the mound and Kayla Dick in right field.
Morgan Lawson earned a one out single to center field in the top of the fourth that was followed up by a single to left field off the bat of Greeson. Both runners advanced on a sacrifice bunt from Dennis, but were unable to score. Salem remained steady on defense to hold the Pride scoreless in the bottom of the fourth, thanks to the efforts of Tart, George, and Tate. Dick was a bright spot for Salem in the top of the fifth, hitting a lead off single to left field. Camryn Clarke then reached base on a fielder's choice and was brought home to score on a RBI double from Tate to left center.
Despite their efforts, the Spirits were defeated as Greensboro secured the win scratching three runs across the plate in the bottom of the fifth to end the contest after five innings.
Game 2:
Salem was held scoreless in the top of the first, despite back to back singles from Dick and Greeson. Greensboro struck first in the bottom of the first, picking up right where they left off following the break and scratched two runs across the plate on three hits. Defensive plays were made by Tart and Clarke in the middle to end the inning. Tate was a bright spot for the Spirits in the top of the second, as she reached base on a ball hit to the left side and stole second but was left stranded there. Greensboro remained steady at the plate and scored four runs on two hits in the bottom of the second. Tart led off for the Spirits in the top of the third and singled on a ball hit to right center. Upton then singled on a ball hit to left field and Dick reached base on a ball hit to second base to load the bases, however all runners were left on. The Pride put two more runs on the board with two hits in the bottom of the third. Defensive plays were made by Lawson at third, Greeson in left field, and Dick in right field to end the inning. Salem remained quiet at the plate going three-up-three-down in the top of the fourth. Greensboro took control in the bottom of the fourth to extend their lead scoring six runs on six hits. Crucial defensive plays were made by Dick, Tart, and Greeson to end the rally.
With their backs against the wall, the Spirits were unable to get anything going in the top of the fifth with the contest ending in five innings.
Stat Leaders:
Emma Greeson: 3 H, 1 PO, 1 A
Kayla Dick: 2 H, 5 PO
Carlee Tart: 2 H, 1 RBI, 2 PO, 6 A
The Spirits will next be in action in a conference matchup at Home vs Mary Baldwin University on April 21th at 2pm and 4pm.
