Box Score

Fayetteville, NC -- The Fayetteville State University women's softball team defeated Bluefield State College in both games (5-4 | 7-0 forfeit) of a non-conference doubleheader held Monday, April 11th at Lamon Street Park. FSU improves to 13-17 overall, while the Blues drop to 3-17 in the standings.

The Lady Broncos quickly put a run on the scoreboard in the first inning. Junior third baseman HaLee Knowles (Teachey, NC) hit a RBI double to left field to score senior outfielder Alex Wickham (Fayetteville, NC). The hit and RBI by Knowles gave FSU a 1-0 lead until the third inning.

In the top of the third, Kiersten Phillips bunted to take first base for Bluefield State. Phillips advanced to third off two sacrifice ground outs. Emily Day singled up the middle to score Phillips and tie the game. However, Fayetteville State broke the 1-1 tie in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Wickham scored for the second time on the afternoon for FSU off a RBI bunt from sophomore outfielder Maggie Smith (Fayetteville, NC). Bluefield State trailed 2-1 entering the seventh inning.

The Blues responded well to the pressure in the top of the seventh. Bluefield State produced three hits and two runs to grab a 3-2 advantage. In the bottom of the seventh, sophomore pitcher Carley Green (Fayetteville, NC) got on base after being hit by a pitch. Junior pitcher Kyrin Walker (Carthage, NC) checked-in to run for Green.

Senior outfielder Shae Barnes (Gibson, NC) hit a sacrifice fly to deep centerfield and Walker scored from third. The run tied the game at 3-3 and sent the contest into extra innings. In the eighth, Chelsea Duncan scored a go-ahead run after being automatically placed on second base. Amanda Cokeley had a sacrifice ground out for the score.

FSU faced a 4-3 deficit heading into the bottom of the eighth. Wickham was the placed runner for the Lady Broncos to start the inning. She crossed home plate for the third time off a RBI single from Smith. Sophomore infielder Brittany Lee (Newton, NJ) subbed in to pinch runner for Knowles. Senior second baseman Brittany Freeman (Fayetteville, NC) had the heroic RBI single to bring home Lee and win the game.

Green was credited with the win pitching seven, while Walker earned the save pitching the eighth and final inning.

Bluefield State only traveled with nine players. An injury occurred in the first game forcing a forfeit for game two due to an inability to play with a full lineup.

The Lady Broncos return to action on Saturday, April 16th in a divisional doubleheader against Livingstone College. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Saunders Field inside Seabrook Park.