Winston-Salem, N.C. — The Carolina University Bruins softball team saw its three-game win streak come to an end on Wednesday, April 8, dropping a doubleheader to conference-leading Georgia Gwinnett at Wilson Park. The Bruins, who previously fell to the Grizzlies earlier this season, showed resilience throughout the day, highlighted by a competitive Game 2 finish.
"I'm proud of how our team competed today against the top team in the conference," said Interim Head Coach Danielle Brooks. "We showed growth, especially in Game 2, and we'll build on this as we prepare for the weekend."
Game 1: Georgia Gwinnett 11, Carolina 3
Carolina struck early momentum in the second and third innings, but a late surge by Georgia Gwinnett proved decisive in an 11-3 result.
The Bruins tallied four hits, with Anni Bergmeier driving in a run and Stacie Sanders and Lexi Hall each recording hits and runs scored. Carolina briefly tied the game at 3-3 in the third inning capitalizing on defensive miscues.
However, Georgia Gwinnett broke the game open with a six-run sixth inning, finishing with nine hits and 10 walks.
Game 1 Key Stats:
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Carolina: 3 runs, 4 hits, 1 error
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Georgia Gwinnett: 11 runs, 9 hits, 2 errors
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Pitching: Madison Hamilton (5.1 IP, 9 ER), Ellie Haas (0.2 IP)
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Leaders: Bergmeier (1 RBI), Sanders (1-for-1, run), Hall (1-for-3, run)
Game 2: Georgia Gwinnett 5, Carolina 4
The Bruins responded with a strong effort in Game 2, outhitting the Grizzlies 9-4 and battling until the final inning before falling 5-4.
After trailing early, Carolina erupted for three runs in the fifth inning, highlighted by a two-RBI single from Emma-Lea Cabral and aggressive baserunning. The Bruins added another run in the seventh and threatened late, putting the tying run in scoring position.
Anni Bergmeier led the offense with a 2-for-4 performance including a triple, while Emily Wilson added two hits.
Despite limiting Georgia Gwinnett to just four hits, defensive errors proved costly as the Bruins committed seven in the contest.
Game 2 Key Stats:
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Carolina: 4 runs, 9 hits, 7 errors
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Georgia Gwinnett: 5 runs, 4 hits, 2 errors
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Pitching: Bergmeier (7.0 IP, 5 R, 2 ER)
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Leaders: Bergmeier (2-for-4, 3B), Wilson (2-for-4), Cabral (2 RBI)
Carolina University Softball will look to bounce back as they hit the road on Saturday, April 11, traveling to Montreat College for a doubleheader beginning at 4:00 p.m.
