JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (March 23, 2024) – UNCG belted four home runs and got a combined seven-hit shutout as the Spartans defeated ETSU softball 9-0 on Saturday at Betty Basler Field.
 
After the rain pushed back the start of the Southern Conference opener, UNCG plated its first three runs with a solo home run in the first and a two-run homer in the second to take command of the game. The reigning SoCon champions tacked on solo runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings, while using a three-run seventh to secure the nine-run win.
 
Cameron Young led the Bucs as she reached base in all four plate appearances. Young went 3-for-3 with a walk.
 
Taylor Suchy suffered the loss (0-5) as she was charged for six runs (five earned) on six hits with four strikeouts in four innings of work. Gabrielle Fowler tossed the final three innings where she allowed three runs on four hits.
 
Salem Ward made the start in the circle for the Spartans where she improved to 5-2. Ward held the Bucs to five hits with two strikeouts (two walks) in five innings. Reese Byrd tossed the final two innings where she scattered two hits.
 
The Bucs had their chances as they left 10 runners on base. ETSU left two runners stranded in the first, third, fifth and seventh innings.
 
With the loss, ETSU – who was playing for the first time since March 11 – dropped to 4-15 overall and 0-1 in SoCon play. UNCG improved to 17-14, 1-0.
 
The two teams will conclude the series with a doubleheader on Sunday starting at 1 p.m.
 
For more information on ETSU softball, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the softball tab.