SOFTBALL DROPS DOUBLEHEADER TO FLORENCE-DARLINGTON

FLORENCE, S.C., — Florence-Darlington Technical College limited the Richard Bland College softball team to six hits in each of today's doubleheader games en route to earning 3-2 and 11-3 victories. 

The two Region X Conference games were as opposite as the final scores. The first game was tightly contested, as the Statesmen broke out to a 2-0 lead after the first half inning in the opener, but were unable to get on the scoreboard from that point. The second game saw Florence-Darlington score eight runs in the bottom of the third inning with the game knotted 3-3 to earn a five-inning win.

The losses leave Richard Bland 0-9, 0-2 on the season, while Florence-Darlington improves to 2-2. It will be a quick turnaround for RBC, which travels Whiteville, N.C. Sunday to face Southeastern Community College-Whiteville in doubleheader action starting at Noon.

Florence-Darlington 3, Richard Bland 2

The Statesmen jumped 2-0 when sophomore Kimberly Ellis singled  and advanced to second on a walk. Sophomore Amanda Archer reached on a fielder's choice and the pair were brought home on a single to center by freshman Maddison Waycaster. The Statesmen got two additional hits from freshman August Ringer, in the fourth and six innings, but her singles couldn't manufacture any additional runs. 

In the bottom of the first, Florence-Darlington got on the board with a single run, and didn't relinquish the lead after scoring two runs in the third inning following a home run by Heather Kirby.

Freshman Shannon Buffington took the loss for RBC. Mallory Fender got the win for Florence-Darlington, pitching just two-third innings. 

Florence Darlington 11, Richard Bland 3

Similar to the first game, the Statesmen got on the board first, leading 1-0 after the first inning. A single by Waycaster plated sophomore Hannah Barnes. Florence-Darlington took a 3-1 lead after two innings, forcing RBC starter Brittany Walsh from the game. Richard Bland tied the game 3-3 in the top of the third after a single by Ringer brought home Ellis who walked to open the inning. Clements scored RBC's third run following a sacrifice by Waycaster. 

Florence-Darlington never trailed after scoring eight runs in the bottom of the third on a two-run double by Kirsten Stone, a two-run error, and a home run by Carlee Belk. Teammates Belk and Kayli Miles produced four hits and seven RBI for Florence-Darlington. 

Freshman Katelyn Cobb took the loss for RBC. Sierra Para earned the win for Florence-Darlington.