Softball Celebrates Sophomore Day Against Dolphins

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA – The Richard Bland College Softball team moves to 14-16 overall, 12-15 in conference play after hosting Brunswick Community College over the weekend for the three-game conference series.

Prior to game three, the Richard Bland College softball team recognized their six sophomores; Jessica Taggart, Shelby Godfrey, Abbie McGee, Madison Nixon, Sara Graham, and Katie Kearnes, for their efforts and dedication to the program during their time in the green and white.

In game one, Sara Graham drove in four on three hits, but Richard Bland fell to the Brunswick Dolphins 8-9 Friday in extra innings. Richard Bland lost despite out hitting the Dolphins 13 to nine. Brunswick got on the board in the top of the first after a single, and a Dolphin tagging up to take a 0-2 lead. In the bottom of the first inning, Richard Bland took the lead after Shelby Godfrey doubled, Brookelynne Winterson singled, and Graham singled, each scoring one run. Graham homered to left field on a full count, which helped the Statesmen tie the game at six in the bottom of the third. A single by Nicole Frye gave Richard Bland the lead 7-6, in the bottom of the fifth. McKynzi Dawson opened the game for Richard Bland. The right-handed pitcher gave up five hits and six runs over three innings, striking out one and walking four. Graham took the loss for Richard Bland. She went five innings, surrendering three runs on four hits, striking out two and walking two.

In game two, Taylor Green collected three hits in four at bats, as Richard Bland defeated Brunswick 16-6 in the nightcap. Green singled in the first inning, and singled twice in the third inning. Richard Bland scored 11 runs in the third inning on the way to victory. Shelby Godfrey singled, scoring one run, an error scored one run, an error scored one run, Sara Graham drew a walk, scoring one run, McKynzi Dawson doubled, scoring two runs, an error scoring two runs, Green singled, scoring one run, an error scored one run, and Winterson singled scoring one run. Richard Bland scored five runs on two hits in the bottom of the fourth inning. Green earned the win for Richard Bland. She gave up four hits and six runs over five innings, striking out five and walking five.

In game three, both teams put up a lot of runs, but the Statesmen fell short 10-19 Saturday afternoon. The Dolphins collected 17 hits, while the Statesmen tallied eight. Brunswick got on the board in the first inning on a single, scoring one run. In the bottom of the first, Ashley Beamon homered to left field in the leadoff spot, and Sara Graham doubled, each scoring one run. Brunswick scored five runs in the second, four in the third, and seven in the sixth. Richard Bland scored one in the bottom of the third on a solo home run to center field by Graham. Richard Bland scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth on a home run to center field by Jessica Taggart. Taylor Green took the loss for Richard Bland. The righty went five innings, surrendering 15 runs on 16 hits, striking out six and walking three.

The Richard Bland College softball team has finished the regular season in 6^th place in conference play, and will travel to Louisburg College Thursday, May 2^nd for the Region 10 Tournament. #6 Statesmen will take on #3 Bryant & Stratton College (VA) in the opening round at 1pm.