WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Sophomore
Carson Shaner went 2-for-3 and drove in two runs as UNCW closed out play at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Seahawk Softball Bash by outlasting Rhode Island for a 9-6 victory at Boseman Field on Sunday afternoon.
The Seahawks, who won back-to-back games for the first time this season, evened their record at 5-5 while the Rams dropped to 2-3 in the finale of their season-opening weekend.
Shaner was one of three Seahawks to record a multi-hit effort in the win. Freshman
Gabriella Hessenthaler had a 2-for-4 showing while scoring twice with a run batted in while senior
Lacey Fox added a 2-for-4 effort.
Freshman
Janel Gamache earned the first win of her college career in the circle by striking out six Rhode Island batters in 4.2 innings. In addition, she drove in a pair of runs at the plate with a single in the fourth inning.
Junior
Rylee Pate pitched the final 2.1 innings to record the first save of her college career. The reigning Colonial Athletic Association Pitcher-of-the-Week scattered three hits and struck out three while not allowing a run.
How It Happened: UNCW broke a 2-all tie by exploding for six runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to take an 8-4 lead the Seahawks did not relinquish. Shaner's two-run double ignited the rally before
Gabriella Hessenthaler added a RBI single to make it a 5-2 game. After Gamache's two-run single extended the margin to 7-2, senior
Anna Hessenthaler added a sacrifice fly for the 8-2 advantage.
Up Next: UNCW travels to the Holy City Showdown hosted by Charleston Southern next weekend. The Seahawks face UMass Lowell and Marshall on Saturday, Feb. 23, before taking on the host Buccaneers on Sunday, Feb. 24.
