BARNES THREE RBI IN GAME 1 LEADS STATESMEN TO SWEEP OVER CCBC CATONSVILLE

BALTIMORE, Md. – The No. 11 Richard Bland College softball team (25-10, 16-2 Region X) showed no remorse in today's doubleheader, visiting CCBC Catonsville 10-6 and 4-0 in a nonconference action on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon.

Sophomore Hannah Barnes (Emporia, VA) paced the Statesmen with three RBI while sophomore Taylor Slate (Emporia, VA) and freshman Whitney Clements (Prince George, VA) added two each of the two-game sweep.

RBC tallied 16 hits, 14 runs and 12 RBI in the sweep while the Lady Cardinals added 13 hits, six runs and no RBI.

Seven Statesmen scored at least one run in the first inning of game one to give Richard Bland an early 8-0 lead over the Lady Cardinals in the day's first game. The Statesmen scored first on an error, a walk by freshman Hayley Olson (Richmond, VA), a sacrifice fly by freshman Amanda Archer (Amelia, VA), a two-run error, an RBI single by Slate and a two-run triple by Barnes.

Despite freshman Kristin Saunders (New Kent, VA) allowing five runs over 4 1/3 innings she still recorded the victory. Saunders struck out one, walked two and gave up 11 hits.

In the nightcap, it was sophomore Tara Heatwole (Williamsburg, VA) who led the Statesmen to victory as she threw a shutout to give the Statesmen to a 4-0 win over the Lady Cardinals in seven innings. Heatwole pitched seven innings, allowing no runs on four hits while striking out eight.

Slate racked up two RBI on two hits for the Statesmen, she singled in the first and fourth inning.

RBC was able to score two runs on a two-run single by Clements and from there the Statesmen never looked back to secure the win.

Richard Bland returns to action on Sunday, when they travel to face the College of Southern Maryland for a nonconference doubleheader. First pitch is slated for 12 noon.

For more information on RBC men's basketball, please visit www.rbcathletics.com.

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