WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Center fielder Camryn Dean hit 3-for-5 in two games with three RBI as the UNCW softball team split a doubleheader on Friday at Boseman Field.
The Seahawks (10-3) used a six-run fourth inning to secure a 10-1 win over the Eagles (2-8) in five innings to start the day. The Golden Griffins (6-4) then handed the Seahawks a 4-1 setback in the evening game.
The Seahawks return on Saturday, Feb. 25, for another twinbill against Canisius and NC Central beginning at 11 a.m. at Boseman Field.
GAME 1 | UNCW 10, NC Central 1
The Seahawks, who led 4-1 entering the bottom of the fourth, plated six runs in the decisive frame with three extra-base hits.
Freshman Arial Pearce and senior Janel Gamache led off the frame with back-to-back doubles to extend the lead to 5-1.
Freshman Lauryn Richardson then reached on a fielding error and the next batter, Logan Bjorson¸ singled home Gamache to make it a 6-1 game with no outs.
After Richardson and Bjorson completed a double steal, right fielder Morgan Britt worked a full-count walk to load the bases for Dean.
With the count 1-1, Dean rocketed a double through the right-center gap that cleared the bases and swelled UNCW's lead, 9-1.
Second baseman Tayler Vitola singled home Dean two batters later to make it 10-1.
Junior right-hander Amberlyn Pearce tossed five-innings of two-hit, one-run ball to pick up her third win of the season. The Kenly, N.C., product did not allow a baserunner through 3.1 innings and struck out four Eagles.
GAME 2 | Canisius 4, UNCW 1
The Golden Griffins scored twice in the top of the third after outfielders Saige Alfaro and Erin Hufford reached on bunt singles to start the frame. Alfaro came around on a wild pitch while first baseman Lindsi Dennis bunted home Hufford a batter later.
Canisius added insurance runs in the fourth and seventh innings to take a 4-0 lead into the bottom of the seventh.
Gamache began the final inning with a straightaway double that bounced off the top of the centerfield wall. Junior Skylar Stockton pinch-ran for Gamache and immediately swiped third base.
Two batters later, Bjorson reached on a fielder's choice while Stockton scored on a catcher's interference. Pinch-hitter Jentri Meadows was hit by a pitch to bring the potential winning run to the plate with two outs.
Canisius southpaw reliever Alexis Churchill then struck out Mackenzie Amodeo and Dean to end the game.
Senior right-hander Emily Nicosia picked up the win with 5.2 shutout innings for the Golden Griffins.
Freshman Emily Winstead tossed seven innings with three earned runs and fanned a season-high 10 Golden Griffins on Friday night.
