GAME ONE BOX SCORE          GAME TWO BOX SCORE

Wingate, N.C.----The Wingate University Bulldogs split a doubleheader with the Braves of UNC Pembroke in NCAA Division II softball action Saturday afternoon. Wingate won the first game 4-2, while the Braves took game two 4-0. The Bulldogs move to 8-4 overall, while the Braves are now 10-8 on the season.

Game #1: Wingate 4, UNC Pembroke 2

Senior infielder Emily Chavis (Berkeley Lake, Ga.) was one-for-three with a double and an RBI, while junior catcher Brittany Barrineau (Monroe, N.C.) went three-for-three to lead the Wingate offense. Freshman outfielder Hayley Whitley (Monroe, N.C.) was one-for-two with a run scored for the Bulldogs.

Senior outfielder Courtney Hill (Goldsboro, N.C.) was one-for-three with a homer to lead the UNC Pembroke attack. Sophomore shortstop Holly Berry (Seagrove, N.C.) went one-for-three with a double and a run scored for the Braves.

The Bulldogs got on the board first in the third, when Whitley led off the inning with a single, and went to third on an error. She scored when sophomore outfielder Kasey Pendley (Marion, N.C.) reached on an RBI fielder’s choice.

Wingate added three insurance runs in the sixth. Ager started the inning by reaching on an error, and went to second on a sacrifice from Pendley. Sophomore pinch-hitter Stephanie Simmons (Hickory, N.C.) followed with a single, and went to second on the throw, putting runners on second and third for junior shortstop Maureen Sandidge (Venice, Fla.). She laid down a perfect bunt to drive home Ager, while an error on the play allowed Simmons to score. Chavis followed with an RBI double off the fence to make it 4-0.

The Braves made things interesting in the top of the seventh, plating a pair of runs and getting the tying run on base. Hill started the inning with a towering homer to left, just inside the foul pole. Berry followed with a double off the top of the fence, which was followed by a walk. After a strikeout and groundout, Berry scored when Kelly Van Dyke (Salisbury, Md.) reached on an error. Van Dyke was on first, representing the tying run, but senior right-hander Allison Smith (Daleville, Va.) put an end to the UNCP threat by striking out the game’s final batter.

Smith improves to 4-2 overall, allowing two runs on three hits in seven innings, striking out four. Freshman right-hander Natalie Klemann (Apex, N.C.) took the loss, allowing three runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings of work to fall to 1-2 on the year.

Game #2: UNC Pembroke 4, Wingate 0

Senior catcher Loren Bartz (Greenville, N.C.) was two-for-three with an RBI to lead the UNCP attack, while senior outfielder Morgan Patrick (Council, N.C.) added a homer and two RBI for the Braves. Senior infielder Lynn Grantham (Goldsboro, N.C.) also homered for UNC Pembroke.

The ‘Dogs were held to three hits in the second game, coming from three different players. Barrineau and freshman designated player Jordyn Setzer (Taylorsville, N.C.) each doubled for the Bulldogs.

The Braves got on the board in the first, when Bartz blooped an RBI single into left center to make it 1-0. Grantham led off the fourth inning with a homer to put UNCP on top 2-0.

The Braves added two more runs in the fifth for the final margin. Patrick provided the big blow, a two-run homer to center to make it 4-0.

Junior right-hander Jamie Burwell (Enka, N.C.) got the win in relief, pitching four scoreless innings, allowing two hits while striking out six. Senior right-hander Caroline Newman (Fair Bluff, N.C.) pitched the first three innings for the Braves, allowing one hit, while striking out one and walking three. Senior right-hander Brittany Blankenship (Midlothian, Va.) took the loss, allowing four runs on seven hits in four innings, falling to 2-1. Freshman Ashley Brown (Murrells Inlet, S.C.) pitched the last three innings, allowing only one hit while striking out five.

Wingate returns to action Monday, traveling to Erskine for a 2 p.m. start. UNC Pembroke hosts USC Aiken Sunday at 1 p.m.