Spartanburg, SC – Southern Wesleyan split the series against the Converse Valkyries on Saturday afternoon. After dropping game one in a 6-4 final score, the Warriors claimed an 11-0 run victory over the Valkyries in game two.
The Warriors had seven hits in the first game with both Maddie Crouch and Megan Ware each recording two hits in the game. Crouch picked up the lone extra base hit in the form of a double. Both Reagan Fulcher and Abby Schreiner were hit by pitches in the game. Olivia Haag started the game in the circle and pitched three innings while striking out two batters. Chloe Smith came in to pitch in relief and struck out one in the three innings she pitched.
Southern Wesleyan had 12 hits in the second game of the doubleheader. Reagan Fulcher went 3 for 4 at the plate. Marissa Moreland and Olivia Haag each homered in the game. Fulcher and Megan Ware picked up doubles in the victory. The Warriors walked five times, and Moreland, Haag and Maddie Crouch each stole bases. Emily Collins started the second game of the day in the circle and struck out two in the three innings she pitched. Anicka McFarland closed the game out and struck out three in the final two innings of the game.
Game Vitals
Game One Final: Converse 6, Southern Wesleyan 4
Game Two Final: Southern Wesleyan 11, Converse 0
Records: Southern Wesleyan (34-12 / CC 22-5) Converse (14-36 / CC 10-18)
How It Happened
Game One
Converse was first on the board in the opening game against the Warriors as a hit by pitch and a walk allowed two runs to come in to score.
The Valkyries would not relent as they attacked the plate once again in the second inning to bring four more runs in to score.
Southern Wesleyan brought their first run of the game in to score in the top of the fifth inning. With one out, Maddie Crouch hit a double down the third base line. Crouch came in to score as Marissa Moreland hit a single into left field.
The Warriors challenged once again in the sixth inning. With two outs, an error at third base allowed Olivia Haag to reach first base. Haag advanced to second as Abby Schreiner was hit by a pitch. With Riley Brown pinch running for Schreiner, Abby Lawson sent the ball into left center for a single that allowed Haag to come in to score. A single off the bat of Maddie Crouch loaded up the bases for Megan Ware. Ware hit a single through the left side of the field to bring both Brown and Lawson in to score. However, the Warriors fell to the Valkyries in game one in a 6-4 final.
Game Two
Southern Wesleyan came out swinging in the second game of the day. Marissa Moreland walked and then stole second base. A ground out by Reagan Fulcher allowed Moreland to advance to third base. Rebecca Lamb sent the ball down the left field line for a single that allow Moreland to come in to score the Warriors first run of the game.
The Warriors pressed on in the second inning. Maddie Crouch walked and then advanced to second as Megan Ware sent the ball up the middle for a single. Crouch stole third base and as the Valkyries attempted to throw her out, Ware advanced to second. With two outs, Reagan Fulcher hit a single to the shortstop to allow Crouch to come in to score.
In the third inning, the Warriors struck again. With two outs, Olivia Haag hit a single into left field. Haag then stole second base. A single off the bat of Abby Schreiner brought Haag in to score. Maddie Crouch hit a single to third base to allow Schreiner to advance to second base. With Haydin Williams pinch running for Schreiner, Megan Ware hit a double to left field to clear the bases and put the Warriors on top 5-0.
Southern Wesleyan was not done as they brought three more runs in to score in the fourth inning. With one out, Reagan Fulcher sent the ball up the middle for a single. As McKenzie Babb ground out to first, Fulcher advanced to second. Abby Lawson walked to put two runners on the base pads and bring Olivia Haag up to bat. Haag sent the ball down the left field line and over the fence for a three run home run to extend the Warriors lead to 8-0.
The Warriors were not done as they brought three more runs in to score. Maddie Crouch led off the inning by reaching on a walk. With two outs, Marissa Moreland came up to the plate and sent the ball over the left field fence for a two run home run. Reagan Fulcher hit a double down the third base line. Fulcher came in to score as McKenzie Babb hit the ball up the middle for a single. The Warriors claimed the victory in an 11-0 final.
What's Next
Southern Wesleyan will await seeding for the Conference Carolinas Championship. The Warriors will compete on Thursday, April 23 in the first round of the tournament.
