Richard Bland Drops Two Games At Louisburg (N.C.) 7-9, 3-6

LOUISBURG, N.C. -- Sophomore Kamryn Lanier/Chester and freshman Katie Haney/Burkeville each hit home runs in the first game, while freshman Mary Simms/Orange had two hits in the second game, as Richard Bland College dropped a softball doubleheader at NJCAA Division I Louisburg College on Sunday in North Carolina.  Freshman Megan Vincent/Boykins took the pitching setback in the 7-9 opener for the visiting Statesmen (21-12), and sophomore Brooklynn Bilyard/Culpeper took the pitching setback in the 3-6 nightcap against the host Hurricanes (21-7).

In game one, Richard Bland scored seven runs on 10 hits … with one run in the second inning, one run in the third, three runs in the fifth and two runs in the seventh inning.  The Statesmen fell behind 9-2 through four innings before rallying over the final three innings toward the final two-run margin.

Lanier was 2-4 with the home run, a double, one run and three RBIs, while Haney was 2-4 with the home run, two runs, two RBIs and a stolen base.  The two homers were the respective second of the season for Lanier and Haney.  Brooklynn Bilyard was 2-4 with two doubles and one run, freshman Skyler Bagnall/Ivor was 2-4 with a double, one run and a stolen base, and classmate Allison Jarrett/Virginia Beach was 1-3 with a double and one RBI.

Vincent (8-5) started in the circle but was only able to retire one of eight batters faced, yielding four hits and four runs, three earned, with no strikeouts and one walk.  Freshman Joana Holland/Manassas pitched the final 5.2 innings, allowing six hits and five runs, four earned, with one strikeout and one walk.

In game two, Richard Bland scored three runs on six hits … with one run in the fourth inning and two runs in the sixth inning.  The Statesmen trailed 6-1 through five innings toward the final three-run margin.

Simms was 2-4 with a double, Lanier was 2-2, Brooklynn Bilyard was 1-3 with one RBI, Haney was 1-3 with one run and three stolen bases, and sophomore Kara Morris/Kents Store was 0-2 with one RBI and one walk.

Brooklynn Bilyard (7-3) started in the circle and pitched the first 3.2 innings, allowing seven hits and five runs, all earned, with six strikeouts and four walks.  Vincent tossed the final 2.1 innings, yielding two hits and one run, unearned, with three strikeouts and one walk.

Richard Bland is scheduled to play at Region 10 opponent Patrick Henry on Sunday, April 22, a doubleheader set for 12 p.m. in Martinsville.