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Box Score 2 The Maryville College softball team advanced to 5-2 on the season with an opening day sweep over Averett University and Methodist University in a six-game tournament in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The Scots opened the weekend defeating USA South foe Averett University 2-1. Freshman right-hander Katlyn Smith excelled on the mound for five innings. She scattered four hits while striking out five allowing just one earned run. Casey Joliff closed the victory on the mound for the Scots with two innings of no-hit relief. Taylor Campbell and Rachel Taylor had key RBI to support the Scots' eight-hit offensive attack. Christina White and Essence Strambler each posted a pair of hits in the victory over the Cougars.
In the nightcap, Maryville's Nicole Blackburn tossed a six-inning four-hit shutout to defeat USA South rival Methodist University 3-0. Blackburn struck out five while walking only one Monarch.
The Scots took a 2-0 lead in the third inning when Sarah Gordon led off the inning with a single to right center field. Gabrielle Rathmell pinch ran for Gordon and Morgan Brewer blasted a two-run home run over the left field fence to plate Rathmell.
Maryville tacked on an insurance run in the sixth when Essence Strambler singled to left field. After stealing second base, Christen Torres sent Strambler home after driving a double to center field.
The Scots will continue at the Raleigh Tournament on Saturday when they challenge ODAC schools Randolph College and Lynchburg College at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. respectively.
