Fulford leads Battling Bishop softball to 2-1 week

Ferrum, VA - Junior right-hander Libby Fulford (pictured) earned two wins in the circle this week, leading her Battling Bishop softball squad to a 2-1 record over the past seven days.  Wesleyan began the week with a close 5-4 victory over Virginia Wesleyan at home on Tuesday, a game that saw Fulford deliver a game-winning two-run single in the bottom of the seventh.  On Saturday, the junior hurler threw two complete games en route to a USA South Conference split with Ferrum College.  The Bishops are now 17-7 on the season, 6-4 in league action.

Game one at Ferrum saw the Panthers come back from a 5-1 deficit in the bottom of the sixth inning, then score the game-winning runs in the eighth inning to steal a 7-6 win.

Panther catcher Lauren Thurman went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI, while Katie Custis and Kryestyn Matherly each went 2-for-3.  Pitcher Laura Terry earned the win.  She pitched a complete game, scattering eight hits over eight innings, allowing six runs (five earned), walking eight and striking out six.

Courtney Tucker paced the Bishop offense with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate, including a three-run homerun in the first inning.  Ashlee Bass was 3-for-5.

In the second game, the Panthers managed just four base hits off of Fulford, all singles.  Fulford earned her 12th win of the season after going the distance and allowing just the one run.  Kim Cox pitched a complete game for the Panthers and suffered the loss.  She allowed eight hits and five runs (three earned), while striking out three and walking three.

Offensively for Wesleyan, Tucker and Hannah Hardy each had two hits and two RBIs.

The Bishops continue USA South play on Monday when they travel to Peace College for a 3:00 p.m. doubleheader with the Pacers.