UNCP softball sweeps Wingate for Bennett's 200th win

The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C.
·2 min read

Mar. 7—PEMBROKE — The UNC Pembroke softball team crushed four home runs and played an errorless game in the field on the way to a twin bill sweep over visiting Wingate on Sunday afternoon at the UNCP Softball Field. The Braves captured game one 5-4, and secured the sweep with a 3-1 victory in game two.

The victory for the Braves (11-5) marked the eighth straight win on their home field and marked the 200th victory for head coach Brittany Bennett. The setback for the Bulldogs (19-8) snapped a three game winning streak.

The Braves will be back in action on Thursday when they welcome Queens to Pembroke. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 1 p.m. at the UNCP Softball Field. Admission to all home UNCP softball games is free.

Game One

Wingate started the second inning with a leadoff walk and advanced the runner to second on a sacrifice bunt. Hannah Stevens smacked an RBI double to the right center field gap to plate two runners and put the Bulldogs ahead 3-1.

In the bottom half, Lauren Hilbourn doubled to the outfield grass before Jordan Adcox lit up the scoreboard with a two-run blast. Emily Rose kept the inning alive for UNCP with a solo shot over the left field fence and knotted the score at 3 apiece.

Emily Biddle gave the Braves the lead for good in the fourth with a solo homer over the left field fence.

Biddle and Adcox each had two hits and two RBIs in the game and Emily Rose hit a solo home run for the Braves. Hannah Stevens had three hits and two RBIs for Wingate.

Kinsley Sheppard (5-2) was the winning pitcher, Sydney Kale (5-5) took the loss and Lauren Gammons got her first save of the season.

Game Two

In the fifth inning of the nightcap, Samantha Allred stood on first after an error by the second baseman. Pinch runner Sydney Williams moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on a Mary Sells triple to center field. Tatum Brummitt singled to the outfield grass to score Sells and give UNCP a 3-0 lead.

Sells was 3-for-3 for the game and Madison Dyson (4-1) pitched seven innings with seven striketouts, earning the win. Wingate's Danielle Kirchhofe (4-1) took the loss.

Savannah Brooks hit two hits, with a triple and an RBI, for Wingate.