SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Bluefield University softball team earned a pair of Appalachian Athletic Conference victories on Friday afternoon, sweeping Spartanburg Methodist with a 5-0 shutout in game one and a 3-1 win in the nightcap.
Game One – Bluefield 5, Spartanburg Methodist 0
Bluefield set the tone early and used a big third inning to pull away in the opener.
The Rams struck first in the opening frame when Chloe Dillow reached and later came around to score on an RBI single from Kenidy Harris, taking advantage of a defensive miscue to grab a 1-0 lead.
BU broke the game open in the third inning, capitalizing on Spartanburg Methodist errors. After Dillow reached on catcher's interference and Delana Loflin advanced into scoring position, Harris drove in a run on a ground ball before Olivia Bailey delivered a two-run double to extend the lead. Alondra Reeves followed with an RBI double of her own, pushing the advantage to 5-0.
That was more than enough support for Isabella Smith, who was dominant in the circle. Smith tossed a complete-game shutout, scattering seven hits while striking out seven to secure the win.
Spartanburg Methodist threatened late with multiple baserunners in the sixth and seventh innings, but the Bluefield defense held firm to preserve the shutout.
Game Two – Bluefield 3, Spartanburg Methodist 1
The Rams carried momentum into game two, once again striking early and relying on strong pitching to finish the sweep.
Kenidy Harris provided the early spark, launching a solo home run in the first inning to give Bluefield a 1-0 lead.
BU added to its advantage in the third inning. After Karter Fortune doubled to put a runner in scoring position and Delana Loflin reached, Harris came through again with a two-run double to extend the lead to 3-0.
Spartanburg Methodist answered with a run in the sixth, but Bluefield's pitching remained in control down the stretch.
Ali Glover earned the win in the circle, tossing a complete game and allowing just one run on five hits while keeping Spartanburg Methodist off balance throughout.
Harris led the offense with three RBIs, while Loflin and Fortune each recorded multiple hits in the contest.
The Rams return to action Tuesday when they host Alice Lloyd for a non-conference doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m.
