Graham Perfect at Plate, Helps Lead Statesmen in Region Tournament

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA – The Richard Bland College Softball team moves to 16-16 overall after traveling to Louisburg, North Carolina for the double elimination, Region 10 Division II Softball Tournament.

In their first round game, the #6 Statesmen took on #3 Bryant & Stratton College (VA), earning a five inning, run-rule victory. Ashley Beamon collected three hits in four at bats, as Richard Bland defeated the Bobcats 10-2. Beamon hit a solo home run to left field in the fifth inning, doubled in the second inning, and singled in the fourth inning. Richard Bland got on the board in the first inning after Shelby Godfrey hit a solo home run to center field. Richard Bland added to their early lead in the top of the second inning after McKynzi Dawson singled, and Beamon doubled, each scoring one run. Richard Bland added on run in the third after the Bobcats committed an error. Richard Bland scored five runs on three hits in the top of the fourth inning. Two errors scored one run each, and Dawson singled scoring two runs. Taylor Greene earned the win for Richard Bland. The starting pitcher surrendered four hits and two runs over five innings, striking out three and walking two.

In their second round game, the #6 Statesmen were victorious over the #2 Red Hawks of Catawba Valley Community College, 8-4. Richard Bland jumped out to the lead in the top of the fourth inning after an error scored one run, Brookelynne Winterson singled, scoring one run, and Sara Graham homered to center field, scoring two runs. Jessica Taggart homered to center field, scoring two runs in the top of the seventh for Richard Bland. Graham and Winterson were a force together in the lineup, as they each collected three hits for the Statesmen. Graham went 3-for-3 at the plate as the infielder led the team with three runs batted in. McKynzi Dawson earned the win for Richard Bland. The starting pitcher surrendered six hits and three runs over five innings, striking out three and walking one.

The Richard Bland College softball team next plays #1 Louisburg College, tomorrow, May 3^rd at 2pm. To stay up to date with all tournament information, please follow the link: https://www.region10sports.com/sports/sball/2023-24/diitournament