Seahawks defeat Bulldogs in Wednesday's doubleheader, 4-2 and 2-0

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University softball team fell to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, 4-2, and 2-0, in Wednesday's doubleheader.

Game One

The Bulldogs (0-16) took a 2-0 lead in the top of the third and held the advantage through four innings, but the Seahawks (16-9) powered back, finding the tying runs in the bottom of the fifth and the game-winning scores in the bottom of the sixth to take game one, 4-2.

Leadoff batter freshman Kaleigh Goulart (Marion, Mass.) doubled to left center, followed by junior Haylee Haas (Moorpark, Calif.) reaching first after being walked, becoming the Bulldogs' first base runners. Senior Elle Madsen (Wheat Ridge, Colo.) then singled to left field, driving in Goulart for the 1-0 Bryant edge.

The Bulldogs found the two-run lead, 2-0, in the top of the third. With no outs and the bases loaded sophomore Maritza Martinez (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) grounded out to second, but the hit freed up Haas for the score.

After the Bulldogs allowed only one hit in the third and fourth combined, the Seahawks' were able to connect in the fifth, when the home team drove in two scores off Merritt Wilkinson's double to left center. UNCW racked up two runs off two hits to tie the contest, 2-2, after five innings of play.

The Seahawks' defense held strong in the top of the sixth, preventing the Bulldogs from a single hit and escaping the inning with one player left on base. UNCW continued their momentum into the bottom of the inning, when Sarah Davis homered to left field, platting two scores to put the Seahawks on top, 4-2.

The Bulldogs were unable to respond in the top of the seventh and the Seahawks took game one, 4-2.

Freshman Colby Norris (Toano, Va.) got the start on the mound, allowing four runs off six hits, while striking out three batters in her six innings on the mound. Sarah Davis recorded the win, pitching all seven innings where she struck out four Bulldogs, while giving up two runs off three hits.

Game Two

After a scoreless first innings, the Seahawks took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second and were able to maintain their advantage, holding the Bulldogs scoreless in their 2-0 game two victory.

In the bottom of the second with two outs and the bases loaded, Lauren Moore singled to right center, plating runners on second and third to give the home team a two-run margin. The Bulldogs were able to muster up three hits through the remaining five innings, but it was not enough to get on the board.

Madsen pitched all six innings, striking out three Seahawks, while giving up two runs off three hits. Peyton Jordan helped hold the Bulldogs scoreless, allowing only four hits, while recording a single strike out in the Seahawks' 2-0 win in game two.