Statesmen Earn Split With Virginia Union University

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA – The Richard Bland College Softball team hosted NCAA Division II Virginia Union University Saturday afternoon for a nonconference doubleheader. After completion of the games, the Statesmen moved to 8-9 overall, and 3-1 in conference play after splitting the day with the Panthers, 2-8 and 6-5.

In game one, Richard Bland fell after surrendering a big first inning. Virginia Union scored five runs in the first inning, which helped them defeat the Statesmen 2-8 in the opening game. The Panthers got on the board after three singles scored one run each, and a double scored two. Richard Bland added a run in the third and fourth innings, but could not catch up. Number seven hitter, Patricia Lett, showed the depth in the lineup. By leading with three hits in three at bats. McKynzi Dawson went 1-for-3 at the plate and led the team with one run batted in. Ava Ball collected two hits for the Statesmen in three at bats, and Ashley Beamon stole two bases. Balli took the loss for Richard Bland. The right-handed pitcher went six and one-third innings, giving up eight runs on nine hits, striking out nine and walking three.

In game two, Richard Bland earned a walk-off win over the Panthers. Richard Bland was down 3-5 in the bottom of the seventh inning when McKynzi Dawson doubled, scoring three runs. Richard Bland was the first to get on the board in the first inning when Ava Balli grounded out, scoring one run. A single by Balli extended the Statesmen lead to 3-0 in the bottom of the third inning. Virginia Union flipped the game on its head in the top of the sixth, scoring five runs on five hits to take the 3-5 lead. Dawson drove the middle of the lineup, leading Richard Bland with three runs batted in. Ashley Beamon set the tone at the top of the lineup, leading Richard Bland with two hits in four at bats. Grace Urban led things off in the circle for the Statesmen. The pitcher surrendered eight hits and five runs over four and one-third innings, striking out six and walking none. Dawson earned the win for the Statesmen. The hurler allowed two hits and zero runs over two and two-thirds innings, striking out three and walking one.

The Richard Bland College Softball team next hosts Pitt Community College on Wednesday, March 19^th in a 2pm doubleheader.