Softball takes third in Spartan Classic

The Spartans softball team had a rough Saturday as they lost both of their games in the Spartan Classic and went from having an opportunity to be in first place to dropping into the consolation game against Niagara. The Spartans were defeated by both extremes on Saturday. Cleveland State exploded offensively and Sacred Heart’s Nicole Sidor was able to pitch a no hitter in the second game.

In the first game against the Cleveland State Vikings the Spartans were defeated 13-6 after the Vikings exploded offensively. Vikings shortstop Tess Sito started off the game with a first inning solo homerun to left. Sito had an impressive offensive game going 2-2 with 3 runs and 3 walks.

The Spartans fought back after falling down 4-0 but their pitching fell apart late. After pulling within one run the Vikings exploded in the 6th inning with eight runs, including a bases loaded grand slam by Jessica Burt. The Spartans were able to come back and score three more runs of their own but couldn’t bring it any closer and fell to the Vikings 13-6.
Centerfielder Jessica Burt was 2 for 5 with 4 RBI’s in the game for CSU. Alex Emeterio was 2-3 with 2 RBI’s and 1 run for the Spartans.

In their second game of the day the Spartans faced Sacred Heart University. SCU’s pitcher Nicole Sidor retired the first twelve Spartan batters before Heather Robb ruined the opportunity for a perfect game in the fifth inning after drawing a walk. Katie Stripling also drew a walk in the fifth but they were the only two base runners all evening for UNCG.

Going into the bottom of fifth inning the Sacred Heart Pioneers led 4-0 and were able to score four more runs to end the game early on the eight run mercy rule. Sidor pitched a no hitter, allowing only the two walks in the fifth inning. Behind her great performance, the Pioneers pushed UNCG into the consolation game against Niagara.

The Spartans came out swinging in the bottom of the first in the 7-4 victory, scoring 4 runs on 4 hits. Junior Kristen Gabel doubled to center then advanced to third on a Jordan Jewett single. Sophomore first baseman Alex Emeterio then homered to right center, scoring both Gabel and Jewett. Another home run immediately followed when Eileen Horsmon smacked one to center.

Niagara would put up their first run in the top of the second when a Jennifer Hare double scored outfielder Kristin Sito.

The Purple Eagles would strike again in the top of the fourth when Hare would homer to left center.

The Spartans came right back with 1 of their own when Jewett would walk then steal second and advance to third on a throwing error. Jewett would score when Senior Brittany Ausley would ground out to short.

The Spartans would add two more in the bottom of the fifth when Junior Katie Stripling would send a shot to left, driving home Kaitlin Merkt. Niagara added two more in the top of the seventh when Jenna Baker would homer to left.

Coach Jennifer Herzig would use 3 pitchers in the game, with Amber Harrell getting the win after pitching 3 innings of 1 hit 1 run ball, accumulating 6 strikeouts. Harrell is now 2-4 on the year. Raeanne Hanks got the start for the Spartans and pitched 2 innings, giving up 2 hits and 1 run. Cassie Stone pitched all six innings for Niagara, giving up 7 runs on 8 hits and 5 walks.

UNCG will now travel to Akron for the Buzz Classic next weekend before returning home on Mar. 13 for a three game set against Georgia Southern to open conference play. On Thursday Mar. 18 the Spartans will play host to North Carolina at 5 p.m. Last time the Spartans took on the Heels was in the Carolina Classic. UNCG played the Heels tough, holding the 22nd ranked club scoreless through 5 innings. The Heels would take the game 8-0 in the bottom of the sixth.