Wesleyan softball opens with four wins in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, SC - The North Carolina Wesleyan softball team kicked off its 2008 schedule in style over the weekend by going 4-0 in Myrtle Beach, SC. The Bishops opened play on Saturday with a twinbill sweep of Penn State-Berks by 10-2 and 12-4 scores, respectively. Wesleyan then turned in a dominating 9-0 win over Penn State-Altoona on Sunday morning before wrapping up a perfect showing with a 10-7 victory over Sweet Briar. A host of Bishops enjoyed productive weekends at the plate, while hurlers Libby Fulford and Kacie Brandes each earned two wins in the circle.

On Saturday versus Berks, freshmen Chelsea Gentry and Brittany Nichols enjoyed solid collegiate debuts as each went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Gentry recorded two doubles, as did Fulford, who was also 2-for-4 at the plate. Senior Katie Dunavant was 2-for-3 and drove in a run.

Fulford was dominant on the mound, tossing a complete game two-hitter while striking out 11. The game was called after five innings.

In the nightcap, Wesleyan earned the 12-4 win in six innings. Gentry again stood out with a 3-for-4 performance, including a double and RBI. Seniors Ashlee Bass and Denise Pope, along with Nichols and freshman Carla Pridgen, all went 2-for-4 offensively.

Like Fulford, Brandes threw a complete game two-hitter. She struck out nine on the day.

On Sunday, the Bishops and Fulford earned a 9-0 win over Altoona in six innings. Gentry was 3-for-3 with an RBI, while Bass went 2-for-4 with a homerun and three batted in. Jessica Poindexter and Payton Gordon each went 2-for-3.

Fulford (2-0) again dominated on the mound by striking out 15 batters and allowing only three hits in her first shutout of the season.

In the tournament's final game, the Bishops' 10-7 win over Sweet Briar saw Nichols go 2-for-4 and blast her first homerun.  Bass and Whitney Moshier also went deep.

Brandes (2-0) earned the win in five innings of work.

The Battling Bishops' home opener will be Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.  Wesleyan will be hosting Division II opponent Fayetteville State University at Edge Field.
 

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