The Samford softball team lost to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in a Southern Conference tournament semifinal game on May 9. The Bulldogs were held scoreless and managed only one hit as they fell 5-0 to the Spartans.
This loss places Samford in an elimination game later the same day, where they will face either Wofford or Chattanooga for a chance to advance. The result is significant because it puts pressure on Samford to win their next matchup if they hope to continue competing for the conference championship.
Makinley Turner started as pitcher for Samford, but UNCG took an early lead with a solo home run in the first inning. Although Turner struck out three batters in the second inning, Samford’s offense struggled throughout the game and had just three baserunners overall. Katie Hart recorded the team’s only hit with a single in the third inning.
UNCG extended its lead by capitalizing on errors and walks, eventually scoring additional runs through another solo home run and timely hitting. Claire McArthur pitched the final two innings for Samford, allowing two more runs before closing out her appearance with defensive support from her teammates.
Samford’s next opportunity comes at 3 p.m., when a win would send them into a rematch against UNCG for the championship. A loss would end their run in this year’s Southern Conference tournament.
