ATHENS, Georgia – Senior
Lauren Moore recorded three hits and drove in three runs as UNCW completed play at the University of Georgia's Bulldog Invitational by splitting a pair of games against Central Connecticut State and Michigan State at Jack Turner Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Seahawks, who saw their record improve to 9-4-1 on the season, opened the day by posting an 8-0 victory over the Blue Devils in a five-inning contest before falling against Michigan State, 8-7, in the nightcap.
Moore drove in two runs and scored another run in the Seahawks' victory over Central Connecticut State before posting a 2-for-4 effort against Michigan State with a RBI.
Sophomore
Anna Hessenthaler also collected three hits in the doubleheader in addition to two RBI while scoring a pair of runs. Junior
Kelsey Bryan added a three-hit performance in the twinbill.
Senior
Peyton Jordan claimed the win in the circle against Central Connecticut State after allowing just three hits over four innings while posting four strikeouts and one walk.
How It Happened – Central Connecticut State: UNCW scored six runs on six hits in the first inning to take a commanding 6-0 lead over the Blue Devils. The Seahawks added a single tally in the fourth and fifth innings to secure the run-rule victory.
How It Happened – Michigan State: The Spartans used a five-run effort in the fourth inning to take a 7-3 lead they did not relinquish. UNCW trimmed the deficit to 7-6 by scoring three times in the bottom of the fourth, but Michigan State added an insurance run in the sixth inning for an 8-6 margin.
Coach Kristy Norton Says: "These ladies keep finding a way to push runs across the plate. Their mentality at the plate has been spot on this weekend. Defensively, we have let too many runs score with two outs. Learning how to stop momentum will be important for us moving forward."
Inside the Box Scores: UNCW was 12-for-20 in advancement opportunities against Central Connecticut State and 9-for-15 with runners in scoring position … The Seahawks also posted a 4-for-6 effort with runners on third base in the win over CCSU … Michigan State advanced runners in 12-of-24 chances … The Spartans were also 7-for-14 in two-out situations … The Seahawks were 15-for-21 in advancement chances against Michigan State.
#SeahawkStats: Moore has hit safely in seven of her last eight games, including the last four in a row … Hessenthaler has posted 9 of her 10 RBI this season in the last six games … She also has nine hits during that span with four multi-hit efforts … The Seahawks have now outhit their opponents in 10-of-14 games this season … UNCW dropped to 4-1 in neutral site games this season with the loss against Michigan State … Jordan earned her 33rd career win in the circle, moving into a tie with
Jess Luckett (2004-07) for third place on the Seahawks' all-time list … Moore and sophomores
Rachel Willis and
Hannah Adamczyk reached base safely in all four games this weekend … The Seahawks have now outscored their opponents by a 20-6 margin in the fourth inning … UNCW is 7-1 this year when allowing two runs or less.
Up Next for UNCW: The Seahawks open a 17-game homestand on Wednesday, Mar. 8, by hosting Robert Morris for a single game at Boseman Field at 6 p.m.
