WILSON, N.C. – The Barton softball team (1-3) fell twice in a non-conference regional doubleheader to Catawba (4-2), 6-3 and 3-1, Wednesday afternoon at Jeffries Field.
Game One – Catawba 6, Barton 3
The Indians' Maddy Altiers (Advance, N.C.) hit a solo home run and finished with two hits and two runs batted in while Kary Hales (Salisbury, N.C.) broke a one-tie with the game-winning RBI double as part of a three-run fourth frame for the visitors.
Catawba's Kate Holland (Marietta, Ga.) (1-0) pitched three innings in relief to go along with six strikeouts to earn the victory while Bella Boykin (Chocowinity, N.C.) pitched a scoreless seventh inning for her first save of the year.
Barton junior first baseman
Savannah Olson (La Plata, Md.) drove in a pair of runs while senior
Kierstin Cooper (Nashville, N.C.) (1-1) was tagged with the loss despite going the distance and striking out six batters.
Game Two – Catawba 3, Barton 1
Catawba's Brianna Gallagher (Graham, N.C.) hit a solo home run and Molly Strider (Asheboro, N.C.) hit the game-winning, two-run single in the top of sixth inning to break a 1-1 tie to lead the Indians to the sweep of the Bulldogs.
The Indians' Brianna Herring (Mount Pleasant, S.C.) (1-0) earned the complete game victory after allowing one unearned run and scattering six hits. Barton freshman
Ronnetta Gurley (Cove City, N.C.) (0-1) was tagged with the loss. Gurley also went the distance. Barton junior shortstop
MacKenzie Taylor (Mebane, N.C.) drove in a run with an RBI single in the third frame for the Bulldogs.
Barton next travels to Bristol, Tenn., to play in the Big Region Preseason Invitational in Johnson City, Tenn., at the Winged Deer Park against UVA Wise (1:00 p.m.) and Tusculum (3:30 p.m.) on Saturday, February 8. Catawba takes on Rollins (Noon) and Emmanuel (2:00 p.m.) on Saturday in Greenwood, S.C.
