Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Pembroke, N.C.----The Wingate University Bulldogs swept a doubleheader at UNC Pembroke Wednesday afternoon in NCAA Division II softball action. Wingate won the first game 2-0 in eight innings, while cruising to a 9-1 victory in six innings in game two. The Bulldogs improve to 12-2 overall, while the Braves fall to 8-6 on the season.

Game One: Wingate 2, UNC Pembroke 0 (8 innings)

Sophomore infielder Mellena Helms (Concord, N.C.) had an RBI and run scored to lead the Wingate offense in game one, while senior outfielder Hayley Whitley (Monroe, N.C.) was two-for-four with an RBI.

The contest went scoreless through the first seven innings. Sophomore outfielder Shannen Adams (Ayden, N.C.) was placed on second base to start the eighth via International Tiebreaker Rule. She scored on a bunt single from Helms to get the Bulldogs on the board. Whitley added an RBI single to give the 'Dogs a two-run lead.

That would be enough for sophomore right-hander Stacey Houser (Mooresville, N.C.), who tossed eight shutout innings to move to 7-0 on the year. Houser struck out two on the afternoon, allowing just one extra-base hit, throwing 110 pitches in eight innings of work. Natalie Klemann took the loss, falling to 3-2. She allowed two runs on eight hits in eight innings of work, striking out one.

Game Two: Wingate 9, UNC Pembroke 1 (6 innings)

Freshman outfielder Olivia Smith (Chesapeake, Va.) was four-for-four with two doubles, three RBI and two runs scored to lead the Wingate offense. Helms was three-for-four with a double, two RBI and two runs scored. Whitley and sophomore catcher Taylor Laskey (Cherryville, N.C.) added two RBI each, while Adams went two-for-three with two runs scored.

An RBI double from Caitlin Steel gave the Braves a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Wingate answered with three runs in the third to take the lead. Helms tied the game with an RBI single, while a two-run single from Laskey made it 3-1. ­

The Bulldogs added four runs in the fourth to take a six-run lead. Helms started the scoring with an RBI single, while an RBI double from Smith made it 5-1. Whitley followed with a two-run single to put the 'Dogs on top 7-1.

Smith capped the scoring on the afternoon with a two-run double in the sixth, making the final margin 9-1.

Freshman left-hander Taylor Bates (Peachland, N.C.) got the win, improving to 4-2. She allowed a run on six hits in six innings of work, striking out three. Selena Ashley took the loss, allowing seven runs on 10 hits in five innings of work.

Wingate is back in action Friday on day one of the Mid-South Classic. The Bulldogs will take on Flagler and Columbus State Friday afternoon in Columbus, Ga.