Richard Bland Splits At Spartanburg Methodist (S.C.) 8-0 (6), 3-6

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Sophomore Ashley Fritz/Chesterfield had two hits and two RBIs in the opener, while freshman Katie Haney/Burkeville had two hits, including a home run, in the nightcap, as Richard Bland split a softball doubleheader at NJCAA Division I Spartanburg Methodist (S.C.) on Sunday in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  Freshman Megan Vincent/Boykins gained the pitching win in the 8-0 first game for the visiting Statesmen (11-6), while classmate Kayla Shaffer/Richmond took the pitching setback in the 6-3 second game against the host Pioneers (12-12).

In game one, Richard Bland had eight runs on eight hits … scoring one run in the second inning, five runs in the fourth and two runs in the sixth of the shortened run-rule victory.

Fritz led Richard Bland, going 2-4 with a double, one run and two RBIs, while freshman Taylor Bilyard/Culpeper was 1-4 with two RBIs, and classmate Caitlin Stout/Dinwiddie added a sacrifice fly and two RBIs, as well.  Sophomore Kay'Lee Justice/Suffolk was 1-4 with one RBI.

Vincent (3-2) started in the circle and pitched 6.0 shutout innings, allowing just two hits with six strikeouts and two walks.

In game two, Richard Bland had three runs on seven hits … scoring two runs in the fifth inning and one run in the seventh.  The Statesmen led 2-0 through five innings, before allowing six runs in the decisive sixth frame.

Haney led Richard Bland, going 2-3 with the home run – the first of her collegiate career – two runs and one RBI, while Fritz was 2-3, as well.  Stout was 1-3 with one RBI, and sophomore Brooklynn Bilyard/Culpeper added a sacrifice fly and one RBI.

Freshman Joana Holland/Manassas started in the circle and pitched the 6.0 innings, yielding one hit and one run, earned, with three strikeouts and one walk.  Shaffer (2-2) faced three batters in the sixth, allowing one hit, three runs, all earned, with no strikeouts and two walks.  Brooklynn Bilyard faced four batters in the sixth, allowing two hits and two runs, both earned, with no strikeouts and two walks.  Holland re-entered in the sixth to record the three outs.

Richard Bland will travel to play at Region 10 opponent and nationally-ranked No. 16 Pitt (N.C.) on Thursday, March 22, a doubleheader scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. in Winterville, North Carolina.