Charlotte, N.C. – Newberry took Queens University of Charlotte to the brink in today's conference doubleheaders, even into extra innings in Game Two. The Royals barely escaped the Wolves' clutches with wins of 5-4 and 10-9 (9 inn.).
Newberry engraved their names first on the scoreboard in Game One, in the top of the second where two runs were scored. Allison Van Atta was hit by a pitch to start things off for the Wolves. Paige Meyer was then walked. Haley Wildes reached on an error by the right fielder, advanced Meyer to second, and Van Atta to third.
Morgan Wagaman stepped into the batter's box with a bases loaded situation and hit a sacrifice fly to the left fielder. Wagaman propelled Wildes to second, Meyer to third, and Van Atta to score.
Daphne Peyton was due up next for the Wolves and grounded out to the shortstop, not before Meyer would round home plate. Newberry would have their first lead of the game at 2-0.
However, Queens prompt response to Newberry in the bottom of the second came on a two-run home run to right center.
The Wolves tacked on two more in the following two innings. Van Atta reached base on an error by the shortstop and sent the speedy Tori Caldwell to third. Caldwell would score on the throw, however. In the fourth, Wildes would homer to left field for her first of the season and career at Newberry.
Queens' trio of home runs in the final three innings would seal the win for them as they were able to keep Newberry scoreless to end the contest. The Wolves didn't go without a fight posting three hits and leaving three stranded.
Newberry played perfect defense despite the outcome, going errorless over the entire length of the game. The two teams concluded Game One tied at seven hits respectively.
Game Two ended in a thrilling fashion as Queens squeaked by in extras. The Wolves offense erupted in the sixth inning as they added on five runs to their already 3-2 lead over the Royals.
Leading off for Newberry was McKenzie Barneycastle, who singled to left field. Caldwell singled down the left field line and Barneycastle advanced to second. This great start chased starting Royals' pitcher off the mound.
Natalie Willis singled on a bunt, pushed Caldwell to second, and Barneycastle to third. Haley Simonds singled and advanced to second on the throw from Queens. Simonds would score Caldwell and Barneycastle, while putting Willis in prime scoring position on third.
Due up next for Newberry was Meyer who singled on a bunt. Wildes hit a sacrifice fly to left field, put Meyer on second, Simonds on third, and scored Willis. Van Atta' single to center field propelled Meyer to third and Simonds home.
A batter later, Peyton singled down the right field line which put Van Atta at third base and rounded Meyer. The inning would end with the Wolves nabbing five runs, on seven hits, and two left on base.
Newberry's defense kept the Royals at bay for a total of four innings. Through those four-scoreless innings the Royals could only muster three hits and leave four stranded.
Queens found their footing and space on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth, scoring two runs. A double and a single for the Royals would have them on the board, trailing the Wolves 3-2.
The Royals mounted a comeback to try and catch the Wolves. In the bottom of sixth and seventh innings, Queens added on an addition six runs to tie the game up at 8-8.
So, into extras the game went. The Wolves started off the eighth with Meyer being placed on second base. Wildes singled to center field as Meyer found her way to third. Van Atta reached on a fielder's choice but Wildes was out on the play. Sydney Patterson came into the contest to pinch hit for Wagaman and singled to right center as she scored Meyer. The inning would conclude a few batters later as the Wolves obtained a run, two hits, and left three on base.
Queens scrounged together a singled to left center that scored a runner to keep themselves alive as the game was tied again, this time at 9-9.
Another inning into extras would find the Royals able to withhold Willis, Simonds, and Meyer in order. With a runner placed on second base for Queens, she found her way home by stealing third base and scoring on an error.
Notable hitters across both games were; Caldwell, Meyer, Wildes, Wagaman, Willis, Simonds, Van Atta, Patterson, and Peyton. Peyton hit her first home run in the season and of her career in the top of the fourth.
Game One pitching for the Wolves saw starter Emily Marchbanks go five innings in the circle and relieved by Chelsey Cunningham. Game Two's battery consisted of starting pitcher Alyssa Ball, Cunningham, and Simonds.
Newberry will face the Crusaders of Belmont Abbey tomorrow, Saturday March 24 in a nonconference doubleheader beginning at 1:00 p.m.
