Rio Grande Sports Information
COLUMBUS, Ga. - For the second consecutive day, the University of Rio Grande softball team earned a split at the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Leadoff Classic.
The RedStorm began their day Saturday with a 9-3 win over Thomas (Ga.) University before dropping a 6-1 decision to Louisiana Christian University in their final contest of the day.
The split left head coach Chris Hammond's squad at 7-5.
In the opening game against Thomas, Rio Grande opened up a big lead early by scoring three times in both the first and third innings and never looking back.
Senior Natalie Bates (Vandalia, OH) hit a three-run home run in the first inning, while freshman Macy Kise (Milford Center, OH) drew a bases-loaded walk and sophomore Lindzie Runions (Poca, WV) had a run-scoring double in the third inning.
Bates finished 2-for-4 in the win, while Runions and sophomore Emily Lane (Charlotte, NC) both had two hits and a run batted in and sophomore Delana Landefeld (Williamsport, OH).
Freshman Meredith Pieratt (Eaton, OH) got the win in the pitcher's circle, allowing nine hits and the three runs ove six innings.
Cameron Clontz started and lost for Thomas after giving up five runs over two-plus innings.
Alexis Adams had three hits in the loss for Thomas, while Clontz and Cloey O'Doniel both had two hits and a run batted in.
Baleigh Herrera also had two hits for the Night Hawks.
In game two, Louisiana Christian starting pitcher Addison Greak scattered four singles in a route-going performance. She walked two and fanned four.
The lone Rio Grande run scored in the sixth inning on a wild pitch.
Kise took the loss for the RedStorm, surrendering eight hits and six runs - five earned - in a complete game effort.
Lexi Broussard was 2-for-4 with two RBI in the winning effort, while Naya Soto was 2-for-3 with a run batted in and Mariel Medrano added two hits of her own and Madelyn Bourgoyne had a double.
Rio Grande will wrap up its run in the Classic on Sunday morning when it faces Reinhardt (Ga.) University.
First pitch is set for 9 a.m.
