Richard Bland Sweeps Past Visiting Surry (N.C.) 11-2 (6), 12-4 (6)

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, Va. -- Sophomore Kamryn Lanier/Chester hit a walk-off, two-run home run in the first game, and had three hits and three RBIs in the second game, as Richard Bland swept a Region 10 softball doubleheader against Surry (N.C.) on Friday at the Statesman Softball Field.  Freshman Megan Vincent/Boykins earned the pitching victory in the six-inning, 11-2 opener for the host Statesmen (18-9, 7-7 Region 10), while sophomore Brooklynn Bilyard/Culpeper gained the pitching triumph in the six-inning, 12-4 nightcap against the visiting Knights (9-21, 2-8 Region 10).

In game one, Richard Bland had 11 runs on nine hits … scoring five runs in the first inning and two runs each in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings for the run-rule victory.  The Statesmen led 5-2 through three innings and the lead was 9-2 into the sixth before Lanier slammed her first homer of the season, and second of her career, over the fence in left center field with two outs to end the game in walk-off fashion.

Lanier was 1-4 with the home run, two runs and two RBIs, while freshman Katie Haney/Burkeville was 1-3 with a double, two runs, two RBIs and a stolen base.  Classmate Allison Jarrett/Virginia Beach was 2-3 with a double and one RBI, Brooklynn Bilyard was 2-3 with a sacrifice fly, one run and one RBI, and freshman Mary Simms/Orange was 1-3 with a double, one run and one RBI.

Vincent (6-3) started in the circle and pitched the 6.0 innings, scattering six hits and two runs, both earned, with five strikeouts and one walk.

In game two, Richard Bland had 12 runs on 11 hits … scoring three runs in the first inning, one run in the third, six runs in the fourth and two runs in the sixth inning for another run-rule victory.  The Statesmen led 10-0 through four innings, but allowed four runs in the fifth, before scoring two runs in the sixth for another walk-off win.  This time the game-winning run crossed the plate via a bases-loaded walk to Brooklynn Bilyard with two outs that followed a bases-loaded RBI single by freshman Skyler Bagnall/Ivor.

Lanier was 3-4 with two runs and three RBIs, while freshman Taylor Bilyard/Culpeper was 1-4 with a double, two runs and two RBIs.  Brooklynn Bilyard was 2-2 with a triple, two runs, one RBI and three walks, Bagnall was 2-5 with two runs and one RBI, sophomore Kara Morris/Kents Store was 2-3 with one RBI and one walk, and Simms was 1-3 with a double, one run, one RBI and one walk.

Brooklynn Bilyard (6-2) started in the circle and pitched the 6.0 innings, scattering five hits and four runs, one earned, with five strikeouts and six walks.

Richard Bland remains at home next week to continue and complete its current homestand … hosting doubleheaders against Region 10 members Bryant & Stratton on Wednesday, April 11, at 3 p.m. and nationally-ranked No. 16 Pitt (N.C.) on Friday, April 13, at 3 p.m.  Admission is free to all home softball contests.