Softball Opens Season Against Red Hawks

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA – The Richard Bland College Softball team opens the season at 1-2 overall and in conference play after hosting the Red Hawks of Catawba Valley Community College Friday and Saturday afternoons, in their home opener.

In game one on Friday afternoon, Catawba Valley defeated Richard Bland 0-8, thanks to five runs in the first inning. The Red Hawks added three additional runs in the third inning. The Statesmen could not answer in the home opening defeat. Sara Graham led things off in the circle for Richard Bland, allowing two hits and five runs over one inning, striking out three and walking three. McKynzi Dawson took the loss for Richard Bland. The right-handed pitcher went four innings, giving up three runs on three hits, striking out one and walking one. Ashley Beamon and Dawson each collected one hit for the Statesmen in the loss.

In game two on Friday afternoon, Richard Bland fell 5-7 to the Red Hawks. Catawba Valley once again opened up the scoring in the top of the first inning. Shelby Godfrey grounded out, which helped Richard Bland tie the game at one, in the bottom of the first. A double by Jessica Taggart gave Richard Bland the 3-1 lead, in the bottom of the second. Taylor Green took the loss for Richard Bland, going four innings, allowing four runs on four hits, striking out five, and walking one. Beamon set the tone at the top of the lineup, leading with three hits in four at bats. Taggart led with two runs batted in. The outfielder went 2-for-4 in the nightcap.

In game three on Saturday afternoon, Richard Bland was victorious over Catawba Valley, 5-2. The Red Hawks opened the scoring in the first after an error scored one run. Richard Bland took the 3-1 lead in the bottom of the second, thanks to doubles by Shelby Godfrey and Madison Nixon. Godfrey set the tone at the top of the lineup, leading Richard Bland with two hits in four at bats. Elexyona Moore earned the win for the Statesmen. The righty gave up nine hits and two runs over seven innings, striking out seven and walking two.

The Richard Bland College softball team next travels to Danville, North Carolina for the JUCO Jamboree on Wednesday, February 21^st. The Statesmen will take on the Community College of Baltimore at 12pm.