9 Softball Angels Earn USA South 2016 All-Academic Honors

 From Meredith Sports Information Department,June 14, 2016

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- Sixty-two Meredith College student-athletes were named to the 2016 USA South All-Academic team as announced recently from the conference office. The selection represents 44 percent of the Avenging Angels roster and includes track and field student-athletes for the first time in college history.

Each student-athlete must earn a minimum 3.0 term grade point average both semesters of a given academic year to be eligible. Any student-athlete participating in a varsity sport offered by a USA South member institution is eligible for recognition. A record 1,458 student-athletes earned Academic All-Conference honors.

Complete USA South List

The nine Meredith College Softball Avenging Angels to garner USA South All-Academic honors:

Julia Allsbrook - 2nd year honoree
Eran Artiques - 2nd year honoree
Ellen Blevins - 1st year honoree
Alyssa D'Arco - 3rd year honoree
Haley Ervin - 2nd year honoree
Erica Occena - 2nd year honoree
Janelle Sanford - 1st year honoree
Courtney Saunders - 4th year honoree
Megan Tarpey - 1st year honoree

Team Awards

2016 Season Review and Team Honors

Meredith softball honors three players with the following award (from left to right):

Most Valuable Player - Eran Artiques

Dean Burris Coach's Award - Courtney Saunders
Jack Huber Softball Award - Lauren Marbrey

Season Awards

USA South All-Conference, Honorable Mention - Maria Annunziata (Outfield)
USA South All-Conference, Honorable Mention - Eran Artiques (Second Base)
USA South All-Conference, Honorable Mention - Haley Ervin (Utility)
USA South All-Sportsmanship Team - Julia Allsbrook

USA South 2016 Season and Tournament Recap

Four Softball Sophomores Earn End-of-Season Honor

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- Four Meredith College softball sophomores earned recognition Wednesday as the USA South Softball end-of-season awards were announced by the conference office. Eran Artigues, Maria Annunziata, and Haley Ervin earned All-Conference honorable mention recognition, and Julia Allsbrook was named to the All-Sportsmanship team.

Second baseman Artigues collected her second career honorable mention honor this spring. She ranks seventh in the conference with a .695 slugging percentage and sits in a tie for sixth with six home runs this season. Her .378 hitting percentage and 31 RBI place her in third among the Avenging Angels, and she leads Meredith all-time with 27 walks in a single season.

Outfielder Annunziata lit up the outfield from the beginning of the season with a pair of homers in game one. She sat atop all of NCAA Division III with nine home runs on March 24 and remains tied for seventh nationally. Annunziata's 30 runs batted in place her 10th among USA South players.

Ervin earned her award as a utility player spending time in the outfield, at second base, as the designated player, a pinch hitter, and a pinch runner. She leads the Angels with a hitting percentage of .463 in her 41 at-bats and 25 games played this season to go along with an on base percentage of .488.

Allsbrook earned recognition for her sportsmanship this season, and she also made an impact at first base and at the plate. She recorded 15 hits, including four doubles and seven RBI, and posted a .370 hitting percentage in conference play.

USA South full release

Softball Caps Off Season Versus #4 Marlins

The Meredith Avenging Angels

NORFOLK, Va. -- The Meredith College softball team capped off the 2016 season with a pair of six-inning losses to the host Virginia Wesleyan Marlins, 10-2 and 8-0. Seven Angels recorded a hit on the day with Eran Artigues and Alyssa D'Arco driving in Meredith's only runs in game one.

The Marlins boast an earned run average of 1.03, ranked third nationally among Division III programs, and VWC hurlers demonstrated their talent in the circle today.

Scoreless through five innings of game one, the Avenging Angels rallied in the top of the sixth with a walk from Kayla North, followed by singles from Artigues, D'Arco, and Kenan Bunn.

But a leadoff home run in the bottom of the frame launched a four hit, three run drive from the Marlins to end the game early.

Taylor Jackson recorded her 10th loss on the season, and Mary Shipp claimed her 12th win for Wesleyan.

Game two followed much the same pattern, but VWC's leading pitcher Kandis Kresinski shut out the Angels. Megan Tarpey singled through the right side in the top of the third, and Julia Allsbrook doubled to the left field gap in the fifth for the only hits in the nightcap.

Lauren Marbrey took the loss for the Angels, and Kresinski moved to 14-1 on the year for Wesleyan.

Box Score - Game 1
Box Score - Game 2

Courtney's Senior Day

RALEIGH, N.C. - Courtney Saunder's Senior Day started with a tough loss to Averett, continued with a lot of love for her and her parents between games, and ended with the best come-from-behind win of the season starring Courtney!

In between games, Dr. Jackie Myers, Meredith's Athletic Director, talked about Courtney's contributions to the Meredith Softball Program. Dr. Myers noted that Courtney stands tall as a role model for all student-athletes at Meredith. As a two-year captain, she helped lead the team during years when upperclass leadership was most important as the teams were made up primarily of freshmen and sophomores. A true all-around player, Courtney has seen time at 2nd base, 3rd base, Shortshop, all the outfield positions, and in the pitching circle. Courtney's alumni teammates thought enough of her to record their thoughts and congratulations for her Sr. Day ceremonies. Members from the 2013, 2014, and 2015 classes, along with former Asst. Coach Dawn Malone wished her all the best, and "Outties Forever"!

A 2015 NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete,  four-time USA South All-Academic honoree, All-Conference honoree in 2015, and USA South Rookie of the Week in 2013, Saunders leaves Meredith softball with her achievements placing her in the top 5 of 7 career statistic categories (Most Games Played, Most Games Started, Most At Bats, Most Runs Scored, Most Hits, Most Total Bases, Most Sacrifice Hits) and ranking 2nd in Doubles and Double Plays Turned..

Athletic Director Jackie Meyer's Senior Day presentation to Courtney Saunders

Meredith Softball Alumni Congratulate Courtney Saunders on Senior Day

Scavone's Softball Angels Split with Averett to Reach 20-Win Season

Wally and Cindy Saunders share Courtney's Senior Day
celebration.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Meredith College Avenging Angels capped off Sunday's USA South doubleheader with a come-from-behind 7-5 victory over the visiting Averett Cougars to record the program's third 20-win season under the direction of Head Coach Kim Scavone. AU earned a 15-2 win in a five-inning game one to open the day.

Averett opened strong scoring seven runs on six hits through three innings, but Eran Artigues terminated the rally with a two-RBI homer over the center field fence in the bottom of the third.

The Cougar bats were undisturbed by the interruption and managed to drive in eight more runs during the next two innings to pull away for the win.

Taylor Jackson posted her eighth loss for the Angels allowing two home runs with two earned runs. Leigh Ann Charles relieved Jackson but was replaced by Katie Kepley in the fourth after being hit in the foot by a ball. AU's Mary Beth Smith pitched a complete game for her 17th win.

Julia Allsbrook went two-for-two for Meredith, including an extra-base hit in the fourth.

Game two opened at a much slower pace with the Cougars leading 2-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth.

Courtney Saunders opened the frame with a single and Artigues moved her to second with one of four walks on the day. Maria Annunziata drilled one up the middle to score Saunders tying the game at twos. Kayla North entered to run for Artigues, and Bryce Smith drove her home in the next at-bat. Charley Cox advanced Meredith's lead to two with a RBI-double to close out the inning.

Averett responded with a trio of runs to retake the lead and followed with five position changes in the field as the Angels readied to bat.

Meredith rallied with a two-RBI double from Saunders followed by a sacrifice fly from Artigues to place the Angels back in front. AU returned four players to their original positions to get out of the inning, but the Meredith defense finished off the Cougars in the top of the seventh for the split.

Lauren Marbrey earned the win for Meredith in game two allowing nine hits with two earned runs, two walks, and two KO's. Jessica Griffin entered in relief in the bottom of the sixth for Averett to record the loss.

Box Score - Game 1
Box Score - Game 2

Meredith Athletics Recognizes NCAA Division III Week

Posted: April 6, 2016

Meredith College, the USA South Athletic Conference, and all 450 members and the NCAA Division III celebrate NCAA Division III week in April. This week highlights the well-rounded collegiate experience of the Avenging Angels that involves a balance of rigorous academic, competitive athletics, and the opportunity to pursue other co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities offered at Meredith.

The 142 Avenging Angels currently participating on a Meredith varsity squad commit to a strong education while competing at a high level on the course, field, or court. NCAA Division III student-athletes dedicate their mind, body, and heart to a sport for the love of the game and without financial reward or obligation.

Like more than 190,000 other Division III student-athletes, Meredith Angels discover valuable lessons in teamwork, discipline, perseverance and leadership, which in turn makes them better students, responsible citizens, and strong employees.

Join the athletics department this weekend as we celebrate the impacting career of Courtney Saunders.  Softball utility Courtney will complete her four year career in an Avenging Angels uniform Sunday, April 10, as Meredith wraps up the conference season versus Averett University, Head Coach Kim Scavone will honor Saunders' career in-between games of Sunday's doubleheader.

A 2015 NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete, an four-time USA South All-Academic honoree, Saunders reach the top-10 all-time at Meredith in 12 categories and still has room left in her final season to move up the ranks. As of April 6th, with 10 career double plays turned. Saunders is one of three Avenging Angels who rank first in the statistical category. Her 30 stolen bases place her in second and 12 sacrifice hits place her in a tie for fourth all-time. Saunders' ranks fifth by herself with 394 at-bats and 156 total bases, and she is tied for 5th with 61 runs scored.

Scots Deliver Disappointing Sweep to Softball

Courtney stretches at short to deliver the out at first..

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Under cold, blustery weather conditions Saturday afternoon, the visiting Maryville Scots handed Meredith College softball a pair of losses in USA South action. Eran Artigues found the sweet spot on her bat twice with a pair of dingers in game one, and Courtney Saunders ripped two down the line for extra base hits on the day.

All field players from both teams had to be ready at any time as any ball hit in the air managed to move into a different space with little warning. First basemen caught balls hit in the air to second, center fielders rushed to keep pace with balls moving fast in another direction. But both teams managed to find a way to make outs and find the gap.

Game one opened well for the Avenging Angels, as Saunders and Artigues drove in three runs to jumpstart the day. Artigues' second homer in the bottom of the third extended the Angels' lead to four.

But Maryville put two runners on in the top of the fourth, and Gabrielle Rathmell drove in the Scot's first run on an infield error. A sacrifice fly scored a second as MVC inched closer.

Three singles in the top of the fifth loaded the Maryville bases, and Meredith failed to stop a seven-run rally to give the Scots a five-run advantage.

Each team scored one more to leave the visitors with a five-run victory.

Taylor Jackson recorded the loss as she allowed eight hits and four earned runs in 4.2 innings pitched. Maryville's Casey Joliff entered in the bottom of the third to earn her fourth win on the season.

The Scots maintained the momentum after the break to score five runs through the first four innings of game two. Leigh Ann Charles entered to replace Lauren Marbrey in the circle in the top of the fifth, and the Angels closed out the frame unscathed.

Rathmell drove in another RBI in the top of the sixth before the Meredith bats finally responded in the bottom of the inning. Saunders' double down the left field line and an extra base on a passed ball positioned her for Brittany Bucklin's RBI-double to put the Angels on the board. But a series of pinch hit efforts in the bottom of the seventh proved unfruitful leaving Meredith with a second loss.

Marbrey took the loss for Meredith allowing four earned runs on eight hits, and Morgan Coreland recorded the win for the Scots.

The Avenging Angels close out the USA South Regular Season Sunday with a doubleheader versus Averett, now tied for second place with Maryville in current league standings. Head Coach Kim Scavone and her squad will honor the outstanding four-year career of Courtney Saunders in between games.

Box Score - Game 1
Box Score - Game 2

#8 Captains Top Softball 10-2, 7-2

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- In non-conference action Wednesday evening, the Meredith College softball team dropped two games versus former USA South foe Christopher Newport, ranked eighth nationally in the latest NFCA poll.

The Captains started off strong scoring five runs on seven hits with a pair of Meredith missteps through the first two innings on the day, but Avenging Angel Katie Kepley sacrificed her at-bat in the top of the third to score Charley Cox.

Unfortunately, CNU's Scoop Simon notched her second homer of the game in the bottom of the frame to extend the Captain lead to seven.

With Brittany Bucklin and Alyssa D'Arco on the corners in the top of the fourth, Cox hit one in the left field gap to drive in Bucklin.

But CNU scored two more in the next inning to end the game early with a win.

In her fourth career appearance, Leigh Ann Charles pitched 4.0 innings allowing nine hits with seven earned runs and a pair of walks for the loss. Lauren Marbrey entered in the fifth to close out the game. Christopher Newports Tara Heatwole recorded her 11th win on the day allowing seven hits with two earned runs, three walks, and one strikeout.

CNU maintained the momentum into game two taking a 3-0 lead after the first two innings. In the top of the fourth, Bryce Smith doubled down the left field line and Maria Annunziata drove her home to put the Angels on the board.

But the Captains scored four runs on five hits in the bottom of the frame to extend their lead six.

In the top of the sixth, Meredith loaded the bases on a double from Courtney Saunders and a pair of walks from Janelle Sanford and Annunziata. Sarah Watson scored Saunders on a fielder's choice to short, but the run would be the last for the Angels.

Taylor Jackson took the loss for the Angels allowing eight hits with six earned runs, three walks, and four strikeouts. Charles stepped in to close out the final 2.1 innings and allowed one hit with a pair of walks and one strikeout. Hanah Marshall notched her seventh win for the Captains.

Box Score - Game 1
Box Score - Game 2

Softball Angels Notch Pair of Wins at Ferrum

Eran's home run was the difference in game 2.

FERRUM, Va. -- The Meredith College softball squad capped off a USA South Conference weekend with a pair of victories over the host Ferrum Panthers. A flurry of Ferrum miscues helped the Angels to a 3-1 win in game one, and a game winning, lead off homer from Eran Artigues in the fifth inning of the nightcap finished off the sweep 1-0.

After a scoreless first inning to open the day, Erica Occena drove in Bryce Smith on a double to left to put the Angels on the board. Ferrum tied the game in the bottom of the fourth, but the Meredith defense left three Panthers on base to end the rally.

The Angels scored a pair of unearned runs in the top of the sixth to close out the win.

Taylor Jackson pitched a complete game allowing two hits with one earned run, four walks, and three strikeouts for the win, and Ferrum's Amanda Roberts took the loss.

In game two Ferrum out hit the Angels five-to-three, but Meredith just needed one to finish of the Panthers for the win.

Lauren Marbrey pitched the shutout allowing five hits with four strikeouts, and Courtney Rudd earned the loss allowing one earned run on eight hits with as many strikeouts.

Box Score - Game 1
Box Score - Game 2

D'Arco's Five RBI Lead Softball in Baldwin Sweep

Taylor Jackson

STAUNTON, Va. -- Alyssa D'Arco led the Meredith College softball Angels in a doubleheader sweep over host Mary Baldwin with five RBI in a pair of pinch hit appearances Saturday afternoon. Taylor Jackson set the tone in a 7-1 game one win with 13 strikeouts, and the Avenging Angels capped off the day with a five-inning, 10-2 victory.

In a 1-1 stalemate in the opening game heading into the fifth, the Angels stepped up and loaded the bases on a single from Maria Annunziata, followed by a double from Eran Artigues, and a walk from Ellen Blevins. Julia Allsbrook placed one in right field to drive in a pair of runs, and D'Arco drilled a dinger to center field to put Meredith in front for good.

Jackson allowed one earned run on four hits with two walks to go along with her 13 Ks for her sixth win, and Kate Dickinson entered in the fifth to record her fourth loss for the Fighting Squirrles.

Even at 2-2 after two innings in game two, the Angels scored four runs on five singles and another two-RBI double from Allsbrook to edge into the lead.

In the bottom of the fifth, D'Arco drove in two more runs on her second appearance, and Kayla North scored Erica Occena in the next at-bat. Kaitlyn Sawyer entered to run for D'Arco at second base, and Brittany Bucklin drove her home on a sacrifice fly to advance Meredith's advantage. 

In the bottom of the frame, Lauren Marbrey dismissed the first two batters, and Courtney Saunders ended the inning at shortstop to finish off the sweep.

Marbrey recorded her sixth win allowing four hits, two earned runs, one walk, and a pair of strikeouts, and Janie Brothers earned the loss for Baldwin.

Box Score - Game 1

Box Score - Game 2

Bryce Smith Garners USA South Rookie of the Week

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- Softball catcher Bryce Smith garnered the Softball Rookie of the Week nod in the USA South weekly honors as announced Monday from the league office. This marks the first conference recognition for the freshmen student-athlete.

In a 3-1 week for the softball Avenging Angels, Smith hit for a combined 7-for-13 (.538) with a .923 slugging percentage, five runs scored, five RBI, two doubles, one home run, and one walk. Meredith split a doubleheader with cross-town rival William Peace midweek and swept Covenant Saturday afternoon.

The softball Angels travel to Virginia this weekend for doubleheaders versus Mary Baldwin Saturday, April 2 and Sunday at Ferrum.

USA South full release

Saunders/Smith Lead Softball in Sweep Over Scots

Courtney Saunders ready to deliver an RBI.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- In Saturday's USA South doubleheader the Meredith College softball team earned a sweep over the visiting Covenant Scots with a 9-8 win in game one and a 7-4 victory in the nightcap. Courtney Saunders and Bryce Smith combined for eight hits and nine RBI to lead the Avenging Angels on the day.

In game one Meredith held a 6-2 advantage heading into the sixth, but a five-run rally in the top of the frame edged the Scots ahead by one. Lauren Marbrey finally closed out the inning on a strikeout.

The Angels tied the game in the bottom of the frame with a double from Smith and precision hitting on a Sarah Watson sacrifice to advance the runner to third. Julia Allsbrook followed the plan and scored Smith on a sacrifice fly.

Covenant loaded the bases in the top of the seventh and the dp Shannon Schmitt hit a line drive to left to score Kasey Hart. Meredith Head Coach Kim Scavone appealed that the second base runner left early, and the Angels earned the third out on the double play. Scavone protested the scored run, but the failed effort left the Scots with an 8-7 advantage heading into the bottom of the inning.

With two outs on the board, Maria Annunziata put the tying run on base with a long single to the shortstop. The poised and experienced Saunders stepped up for a double to the right field gap to score Annunziata. Scavone subbed in Haley Ervin to run for Saunders, and Eran Artigues drove her home for the win.

Marbrey relieved Taylor Jackson during the Scot's sixth-inning rally to record her sixth win on the season. Marbrey faced seven batters to allow two hits, no earned runs and one strikeout. Covenant's Tyler Epes recorded the loss allowing 12 hits with seven earned runs and two strikeouts.

Brittany Bucklin kept the momentum going with a two-RBI double in the first inning of game two. In the bottom of the second, she stepped to the plate with the bases loaded to drive in Meredith's third run. Smith advanced the Angels' lead to four with a RBI-walk.

The Scots chipped away at their four-run deficit during the next two at-bats, but Saunders extended Meredith's advantage on a three-RBI dinger over the left field fence in the bottom of the fourth.

Covenant scored twice more, but the Angels held on for the sweep.

Marbrey pitched a complete game in the nightcap to earn the win, and Covenant's Cris Gant recorded the loss.

Box Score - Game 1

Box Score - Game 2

Seventh Inning Rally Falls Short in Split with Pacers

Meredith College Sports Information Department

Sarah Watson at bat.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- After a 2-1 win over host William Peace in game one of Wednesday's USA South doubleheader, Meredith College softball suffered a disappointing 8-7 loss in the nightcap for a split.

Peace scored first in the bottom of the third of game one on a RBI-single. After a scoreless fourth, Sarah Watson led off for the Angels with her second home run on the season to tie the game. Kaitlyn Sawyer advanced on a single but was caught stealing second to clear the bases.

Brittany Bucklin scored the eventual game winner on her fifth career homer later in the inning to edge Meredith in front for good.

Taylor Jackson earned WPU's solo run on five hits with two walks and five strikeouts, and Pacer Morgan Farmer recorded her third loss allowing seven hits with two earned runs, three walks, and five strikeouts.

The Pacers took an early 1-0 lead in game two on a double in the bottom of the first. The Angels' Eran Artigues drilled a ball over the fence in the top of the second but was stripped of her home run on an appeal from William Peace Coach Charlie Dobbins, who claimed she failed to touch home plate.

Meredith recovered from the disappointing call and loaded the bases in the top of the third. Erica Occena scored Bryce Smith on a single to left, and Courtney Saunders drove in Watson in the next at-bat to take a 2-1 lead.

William Peace regained the advantage in the bottom of the frame on a two-run homer and scored two more runs with a second home run in the next inning to extend their lead 5-2.

The Angels closed the gap with a run in each of the next two frames to trail by just one heading into the seventh.

With two outs on the board, Saunders doubled to right field. Bucklin drove in Saunders on a double to the same field to keep the Angels alive, and Maria Annunziata gave Meredith a two run advantage with her ninth home run on the season.

In the bottom of the frame, Peace led off with a single through the right side. A hard hit single to right center brought the go-ahead run to the plate, and Kelsey Durham tied the game on a tough fly ball to right. Durham jogged in for the win on a wild pitch to close out the split.

Lauren Marbrey faced 19 batters through 3.2 innings allowing five earned runs with three strikeouts. Jackson entered in relief in the bottom of the fourth and earned three runs on seven hits with one K for the loss. Kim Cook earned her fourth win for the Pacers.

Box Score - Game 1

Box Score - Game 2

Panthers Sweep Softball 8-7, 4-2 in League DH

Meredith College Sports Information Department

Charley Cox gets ready to hit her first collegiate home run!

LAGRANGE, N.C. -- The Meredith College softball Avenging Angels dropped a pair of USA South games Sunday afternoon at LaGrange with scores of 8-7 and 4-2. Rookies Bryce Smith and Kaitlyn Sawyer combined for seven hits to lead the Angels.

In game one Meredith scored three runs on four hits, including a two-RBI homer from Maria Annunziata, in the bottom of the sixth. But the two runners on base at the end of the frame left the Angels one run shy to continue the game.

The Panthers held a 4-0 lead heading into the top of the sixth in game two. Meredith drove in one run in each of the next two innings but left the tying run on base in the seventh to give LaGrange the sweep.

Lauren Marbrey started in the circle in game one and faced 23 batters in four innings. She allowed nine hits with four earned runs, one walk and a pair of strikeouts for the loss. Jackson allowed three hits with three earned runs, three walks, and a pair of Ks in relief. In the nightcap Jackson took the loss with a complete game. She tallied seven hits with just one earned run, one walk and six strikeouts.

Nine Angels notched at least one hit in the day's opener with homers from Smith and Charley Cox and doubles from Sarah Watson and Courtney Saunders. Brittany Bucklin sacrificed in the third to drive in Meredith's second run of the frame.

In the top of the sixth of game two, Smith led off with a double and Cox drove her in to put the Angels on the board. With two runners on base in the seventh, a Panther misstep allowed Bucklin to score on the play.

Box Score - Game 1

Box Score - Game 2

Softball Angels Split League Doubleheader with Hawks

Meredith College Sports Information Department

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- The Meredith College softball Angels split Saturday's USA South doubleheader with the Huntingdon Hawks. The hosts earned a 3-1 win in game one, and Maria Annunziata crushed her seventh home run of the season in game two to lift the Angels over the Hawks for a 5-2 victory.

Huntingdon outhit the Avenging Angels 7-4 in game one, scoring two runs in the bottom of the fourth. The Hawks third and game winning run scored off an infield error in the same series.

In the top of the fifth, Erica Occena reached first on a third strike passed ball and stole second to place herself in scoring position. Brittany Bucklin obliged with a RBI-single to left to put Meredith on the board.

Lauren Marbrey recorded her fifth loss for the Angels allowing seven hits with two earned runs, a pair of walks and five strikeouts. Huntingdon's Raina Lanier struckout eight Angels with four hits, no earned runs and two walks for the win.

Down 2-1 heading into the top of the fifth in game two, Kayla North punched a single to third, and Ellen Blevins moved her to second with a single to the opposite side of the field. Occena entered to run for North at second, and Bucklin kept the bats moving to send Occena home to tie the game.

A Panther pitching change backfired as Courtney Saunders doubled to left field in the next at-bat to score Blevins for the lead. Smith drove Bucklin home on a sacrifice fly to give the Angels a 4-2 advantage.

The Meredith defense held the Hawks in the bottom of the inning, and Annuziata's homer finished off the scoring in the top of the next frame for the win.

Taylor Jackson allowed four hits with two earned runs, three walks and four strikeouts for her seventh win on the season. Lindsey Selph faced 22 batters in 4.1 innings for the loss. She allowed four hits with three earned runs, five walks and four strikeouts on the day.

Box Score - Game 1

Box Score - Game 2

Brittany Bucklin Recognized as a Top Performer from the NFCA

From Meredith Angels Softball - Facebook

Congratulations to Brittany Bucklin! 

Her efforts at the plate during Spring Break week earned her a spot in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Top Performances! 

Great Job!!

Link to article on on the NFCA website

Bishops Take Two from Softball

Meredith College Sports Information Department

Talking it over between batters

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The visiting N.C. Wesleyan Bishops slipped ahead of the Meredith College softball team late in game one of Saturday's doubleheader to win 7-6 and scored on an unearned run in a 4-3 game two victory to secure a sweep in USA South action. Maria Annunziata went four-for-six on the day with three runs batted in to lead the Avenging Angels.

With a 6-2 lead heading into the top of the seventh, the Avenging Angels appeared to have game one under control. But a leadoff double followed by a single to left placed two Bishops on base, and the runners advanced one bag apiece on a passed ball. With one out the fourth batter walked to load the bases, and Meredith changed pitchers.

An unfortunate Wesleyan grand slam moved the visitors into the lead by one, and the Bishops defense snuffed Meredith's chance to score with the bases loaded in the bottom of the frame for the win.

Starting pitcher Taylor Jackson faced 34 batters and allowed 10 hits with four earned runs, five walks, and three strikeouts, while Lauren Marbrey took the loss after entering in the seventh to allow one hit and one earned run. Wesleyan's Logan Lowery allowed 12 hits with six earned runs, four walks, and two K's for the win.

N.C. Wesleyan maintained the momentum in the nightcap and took an early 3-0 lead through two.

In the bottom of the third, Erica Occena led off with a single, and Bryce Smith pushed her to the corner on a double to left. Bucklin scored Occena, and Annunziata drove in Smith to put Meredith on the board. Bucklin scored on the next at-bat to tie the game at threes.

The Bishops would need just one more run in the top of the fifth to secure the sweep.

Marbrey registered her second loss on the day allowing seven hits in seven innings with three earned runs and three strikeouts. Shelby Godwin earned her second win on the season allowing five hits through five innings with three earned runs, five walks, and one strikeout. Bishop Lindsay Sharpe took over in the sixth to earn the save.

Box Score - Game 1

Box Score - Game 2

The Spring Games during Spring Break

Meredith College Sports Information Department

Day One: Softball Opens Spring Break with Pair of Losses

Brittany Bucklin ready to hit one of her two hits
against nationally ranked Moravian.

CLERMONT, Fla. -- The Meredith College softball team recorded 16 hits, including seven with extra bases, but recorded a pair of losses in Monday's opening day of spring break action. The nationally ranked Moravian Greyhounds edged Meredith 8-5 in game one, and Susquehanna University finished off the Angels 8-4 in the second.

Versus the Moravian Greyhounds, ranked 22nd nationally among NCAA Division III programs, Ellen Blevins and Brittany Bucklin led Meredith with two hits, including a two-RBI-double apiece.

Moravian opened the scoring in the top of the third on a three-hit-three-run performance, but the Angels responded in the bottom of the frame with Blevins' two-base hit.

Greyhound Victoria Connor drilled her second homer of the day in the fourth to advance Moravian's lead, and three Meredith errors in the top of the fifth continued the rally. The Angels extended Moravian's at-bat in the top of the sixth to move the Greyhounds to an 8-2 advantage.

But the Avenging Angels would not back down. Maria Annunziata kicked off the rally with a triple, and Eran Artigues advanced on a walk. Bucklin scored both runners, including Erica Occena who subbed in to run for Artigues, in the next at-bat.

Bryce Smith forced a Greyhound pitching change with a single, and Sarah Watson pulled Meredith to within three on an infield miscue. But Moravian ended the threat on the next play.

The Meredith bats continued to swing in game two versus the Susquehanna Crusaders leading off with home runs from Bucklin and Courtney Saunders to give the Angels a 3-0 advantage in the first frame.

SU hit two of their own to slip in front 4-3, but Meredith tied the game on a two-hit, one run series in the top of the third. Unfortunately, the Angels' defense fell apart in the bottom of the fifth to allow the Crusaders four runs to secure the win.

Taylor Jackson pitched a complete game for a loss versus Moravian and entered in the fifth for a loss versus Susquehanna. Greyhound Josie Novak earned her second win in game one, and Jamie Fesinstine pitched a complete game for SU for the win.

Box Score - Moravian

Box Score - Susquehanna

House 1

House 2

Day Two: Softball Wins Two with Bucklin and Watson Leading the Way

Sarah Watson readies for her home run hit!

CLERMONT, Fla. -- Brittany Bucklin continues to lead the Meredith College softball team as the Angels capture a pair of wins Tuesday at The Spring Games in Clermont, Florida. Bucklin went three-for-three in a 5-2 win over Haverford College, and Sarah Watson sparked the Angels with a home run in a 7-2 victory over the Millsaps Majors.

With both teams scoreless in the fourth, Bucklin ripped a double to left and Eran Artigues drove her home with one of her own. The Angels picked up one more run on a Fords miscue to take a 2-0 lead.

Lauren Marbrey and her defense held Haverford in the top of the fifth, and Ellen Blevins kept the bats moving with a single in the bottom of the frame. Shortstop Bryce Smith scored Blevins on a two-base hit, and Bucklin ripped her second double through the left side to push the Angels to a four run advantage.

Courtney Saunders finished off the scoring with a RBI-single in the sixth to secure the win for Meredith.

Taylor Jackson earned her fifth season win allowing five hits with just one earned run, one walk and five strikeouts. Haverford's Sara Tauriello registered the loss allowing six hits in five innings with three earned runs and four K's.

Meredith opened game two with a run in the top of the first, and Julia Allsbrook recorded her second RBI on the season in the second inning.

The Majors drove in a run in the bottom of the third, but Watson's fourth-inning dinger lifted the Angels to a 4-1 advantage. The energy in the dugout continued through the fifth, as Meredith scored three more runs on a pair of hits and one error to finish off Millsaps.

Marbrey pitched a complete game allowing no earned runs on four hits with as many strikeouts. Millsaps starting pitcher Mary Claire Shepard recorded the loss allowing three earned runs on four hits and five walks in 4.2 innings pitched.

Box Score - Haverford
Box Score - Millsaps

 

Day Three: Hits, Hits, Hits as Softball Wins Two More in Florida

Lauren Marbrey works for the strikeout.

CLERMONT, Fla. -- In the final day of The Spring Games, the Meredith College Avenging Angels softball team cruised to a 14-4, six-inning win over the Muhlenberg Mules on 18 hits, including a trio of home runs, and finished off Wesley College 3-1 with seven more.

Brittany Bucklin, Maria Annunziata, and Eran Artigues each hit a dinger in game one, while Bucklin, Megan Tarpey, and Courtney Saunders -- twice -- advanced on a two-base hit. RBI's filled the stats with Bucklin and Artigues earning three apiece.

Taylor Jackson earned her sixth season win in the circle allowing seven hits with just one earned run and eight strikeouts. Muhlenberg's Haley Peterson took the loss with seven earned runs, two walks, and a pair of K's.

Game two versus the Wesley Wolverines started out with three error-free innings for the Angels leading to a four hit, three run series to take control of the game.

In the top of the sixth, Wesley led off with a single and moved the runners into scoring position with a double to left field. Lauren Marbrey struckout the third batter and took care of the next batter at first.

With two outs on the board and two runners on base, Wesley's Kateri Peters advanced on an infield error to score a run. Unphased with the offensive effort, Marbrey struckout the Wolverine's right fielder to get Meredith out of the inning unharmed.

The Avenging Angels' defense put away Wesley in the top of the seventh to finish of the win.

Marbrey allowed five hits with no earned runs to go along with two walks and three strikeouts for her fifth career win. Lindsay Siok registered the loss for Wesley with three earned runs in seven hits, one walk, and five strikeouts for the loss.

Box Score - Wesley

Box Score - Muhlenberg

Ready for day 3 in Florida!

Ervin Leads MC Softball in Split with Monarchs

Meredith College Sports Information Department

Haley Ervin runs out one of her 4 hits for the day.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Errors plagued the Meredith College softball defense in a 6-4 loss to the visiting Methodist Monarchs. The Avenging Angels responded with an 8-3 victory in game two to complete a split in the USA South Conference opener. Haley Ervin went four-of-four at the plate to lead Meredith's offense on the day.

There were few positive moments in Saturday's Noon game as the Angels allowed MU to score their first run with two miscues in the opening frame. With two outs on the scoreboard in the top of the second, things went from bad to worse as three more Monarchs crossed the plate on a pair of Angel errors.

Brittany Bucklin crushed a ball over the left field fence to lead off the bottom of the second inning, and Bryce Smith scored Katie Kepley to put Meredith on the board with two.

The Avenging Angels held Methodist in the top of the third, and Eran Artigues led off in the bottom of the inning with a single. Maria Annunziata advanced on a single through the left side to push Artigues to second, and Kaitlyn Sawyer entered to run. Courtney Saunders drilled a ball down the left field line to score Sawyer and pull the Angels to within one.

But the effort was shortlived as another infield error extended the Monarch lead yet again. Lauren Marbrey relieved Taylor Jackson in the circle and allowed one more unearned run to cross the plate before closing out the frame. The Angels scored one more with help from a Monarch misstep, but MU held on for the win.

A more focused Meredith squad showed up for game two as Artigues opened the scoring with a two-RBI homer. Sarah Watson scored Bucklin just before Saunders was picked off trying to extend her run.

Methodist responded in the top of the second, and the teams continued to battle to a 4-3 Meredith advantage through three innings.

Scoreless through the next two innings, Watson jumpstarted the Angels in the bottom of the sixth with a hard hit single back to the pitcher. Watson moved to third with aggressive base running to ready for Annunziata who stepped in to pinch hit for Charley Cox. With a strong single to the short stop, Annunziata scored Watson. Sawyer advanced on a base-on-balls, and Alyssa D'arco cleared the bases with her second career home run (first out of the park) to secure the split for the Angels.

Jackson took the loss in game one but finished out the nightcap for her first save on the year. Marbrey earned her third win in the second.

Box Score - Game 1

Box Score - Game 2

Taylor Jackson takes USA South Pitcher of the Week Honors

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- Taylor Jackson earned Softball Pitcher of the Week from the USA South Office on February 29.

Jackson earned two complete game wins in two appearances last week as the Avenging Angels posted a 3-1 record in the Grand Slam Classic. In a 10-1, six-inning win over the Wilson Phoenix, Jackson earned just one run on two hits with nine walks and 10 strikeouts. Jackson shut out the McDaniel Green Terror in an 8-0, five-inning game with three hits, two walks, and six strikeouts. This marks Jackson's first conference weekly honor and first this season.

USA South full release

Meredith Wins Twice to Give Coach Scavone Meredith Career Wins 100 and 101

Meredith College Sports Information Department

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Sixth-year Meredith Head Softball Coach Kim Scavone collected her 100th and 101st wins Sunday as the Avenging Angels defeated McDaniel College 8-0 and the Roanoke Maroons 3-2 in day two of the Grand Slam Classic.

Meredith's steady hitting in game one gave the Angels an advantage versus the Green Terror. Courtney Saunders recorded her first of two extra base hits with a double to left center. Brittany Bucklin advanced Saunders with a single, and Maria Annunziata sacrificed to score Meredith's first run. Eran Artigues drove in Bucklin with a another double to give the Angels a 2-0 lead heading into the second.

Three more hits in the bottom of the third, beginning with a single from Bryce Smith, extended Meredith's lead. Katie Kepley earned a RBI-single, and Julia Allsbrook recorded the Angels' fourth run.

Rattled by Meredith's aggressive offense, the Green Terror helped the Angels along with a miscue in the bottom of the fourth that eventually spread the gap to six.

Taylor Jackson continued to handle herself in the pitcher's circle with a strong defense to back her up. In the top of the fifth, McDaniel advanced two runners into scoring position, but rookie catcher Smith closed out the frame with a pickoff to Bucklin at third to hold the Terror.

The Angels scored two more in the bottom of the frame to end the game early.

Jackson earned her fourth win on the season allowing three hits with six strikeouts, and Jamie Weisser collected the loss for McDaniel.

In Meredith's second game Roanoke took the lead with two runs on three hits in the bottom of the third. But the Angels responded in the next frame.

Saunders reached first on an infield error and pushed herself to second for Bucklin's RBI-single on the next at-bat. Artigues moved Bucklin to the corner with a single, and Lauren Marbrey drove in Bucklin to tie the Maroons. Scavone made a strategic move at the plate that paid off with a RBI-single from pinch hitter Haley Ervin to edge the Angels into the lead.

The Avenging Angels put out the next three Maroons to return to the dugout. Saunders drilled a triple to down the leftfield line but was left on base by the Roanoke defense.

The Maroons placed the tying run on first in the bottom of the fifth, but Kaitlyn Sawyer managed a double play to end the inning early. Another heads up double play from the rookie infielder kept the Angels in front 3-2 through six innings.

The Meredith bats fell short in the top of seven, and Sawyer and Allsbrook wrapped up the inning with three putouts at first.

Marbrey earned her second win on the season with a complete game pitched, and Courtney Oliver recorded the loss for Roanoke.

Box Score - McDaniel

Box Score - Roanoke

Annunziata/Smith Homers Give Softball 10-1 Win Over Wilson; Eagles Win 16-5

Meredith College Sports Information Department

Maria Annunziata makes an out in left field. Maria shined
with 2 home runs accounting for 6 RBIs

CARY, N.C. -- In day one of the Grand Slam Classic, the Meredith College Angels finished strong to record a split on the day. After a 16-5 loss to nationally ranked Emory University, Maria Annunziata and Bryce Smith combined for nine RBI to lead the Avenging Angels to a 10-1 win in six over the Wilson Phoenix.

The top-notch Emory Eagles, ranked 18th nationally among Division III programs, took advantage of rookie pitcher Leigh Ann Charles in the top of the first inning. EU scored 10 runs on 10 hits with three base-on-balls before Head Coach Kim Scavone released Charles.

But the Angels responded in the bottom of the frame with a pair of doubles from Courtney Saunders and Eran Artigues to put Meredith on the board with two. The Angels went on to score three more, the most runs scored on Emory to-date, before the Eagles closed out early for the win.

After an unexpected tournament delay, Meredith finally took the field again at 5:30 p.m. versus Wilson. After a scoreless first inning, Annunziata blasted her first home run of the game with a solo RBI.

A miscue from the Angels in the bottom of the frame helped the Phoenix tie the game.

Charlie Cox led off in the top of two with a walk, and Kayla North crushed a ball up the middle to score Cox. North stole second to put herself in scoring position for Annunziata's RBI-single on the next at-bat to give Meredith a 3-1 run heading into the bottom of two.

The Avenging Angels held Wilson through the next two innings. Brittany Bucklin doubled through the right side, and Annunziata drove her home with another homer. Smith followed suit with her first career home run to advance the Angels' lead.

Meredith scored three more runs in the top of the sixth to spread the gap to nine. Taylor Jackson struck out the first Phoenix batter and the defense helped her with the rest to cap off the day with a win.

Jackson earned her third win on the season allowing just two hits with 10 strikeouts in game two. Lauren Marbrey replaced Charles in the first game and allowed seven hits with three strikeouts and four base-on-balls.

Audrey Weller earned her second win for Emory in game one, and Taylor Crouse claimed the loss for Wilson in the nightcap.

Box Score - Emory 
Box Score - McDaniel