Central, SC – Southern Wesleyan fell in the double header versus the Belmont Abbey Crusaders.  The Warriors fell 9-2 in game one, and, despite challenging in the final inning, 3-2 in game two.

The Warriors recorded five hits in the game one loss, with junior Lexi Thompson leading the team with two hits.  Both Maddie Ward and Riley Herdliska doubled during the game.  Herdliska and Josie Edwards posted the lone RBIs of the evening.  Natalie Johnson walked twice and Becca White recorded a stolen base.  Southern Wesleyan posted four strikeouts during the loss.  Hunter Hoskins started game one and went three innings before Josie Edwards came in to pitch in relief.

Southern Wesleyan delivered six hits in the game two loss.  Becca White led the team with two hits on the afternoon.  Maddie Ward homered during the game.  Three Warriors walked during the game, and Kassidy Hamrick laid down a sacrifice bunt.  Becca White led the Warriors on the base pads with two stolen bases.  Hunter Hoskins pitched a complete game.

Game Vitals

Game One Final: Belmont Abbey 9, Southern Wesleyan 2

Game Two Final: Belmont Abbey 3, Southern Wesleyan 2

Records: Southern Wesleyan (7-30 / CC 2-10) Belmont Abbey (14-26 / CC 5-9)

How It Happened

Game One

The Crusaders struck first in the top of the first, however the Warriors countered in the bottom of the inning.  Becca White led off with a single up the middle and then stole second base.  Riley Herdliska brought her in with a double down the left field line to tie the game 1-1.

Belmont Abbey pushed ahead, scoring runs in the second, third, fifth and six innings to take a 9-1 run lead over Southern Wesleyan.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Warriors put the pressure on the Crusaders.  Maddie Ward led off with a double and then advanced to third on an error.  Back-to-back walks to Riley Herdliska and Natalie Johnson loaded the bases.  With the bases loaded, Josie Edwards walked to bring Ward in and put Southern Wesleyan down 9-2.

Game Two

Like in game one, the Crusaders took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning.  They extended their lead in the top of the third inning to lead 2-0.  Southern Wesleyan countered in the bottom of the fourth inning.  Maddie Ward led off with a long home run over the left field wall to allow the Warriors to cut Belmont Abbey's lead in half.

Southern Wesleyan continued to pressure Belmont Abbey in the bottom of the sixth inning.  Maddie Ward led off with a walk and then advanced to second when Riley Herdliska singled to right field.  Makaila Irby followed with a single to center field to bring Ward in to score.  Despite a late rally, the Warriors fell the Crusaders 3-2.

What's Next

Southern Wesleyan will next travel to the University of Mount Olive on April 13 to take on the Trojans at 3 and 5 p.m.  They will remain on the road on April 14 as they take on the Barton Bulldogs.