JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (March 24, 2024) – The ETSU softball team was swept by UNCG in a Southern Conference doubleheader on Sunday afternoon at Betty Basler Field. The Bucs fell 8-1 in game one and dropped a 5-1 decision in the nightcap.
 
Taking on the reigning conference regular season and tournament champions, the Bucs fell to 4-17 overall and 0-3 in SoCon play. UNCG improved to 19-14, 3-0.
 
In game one, the Spartans jumped out to a 4-0 lead through four and a half innings before the Bucs scratched across their only run in the bottom of the fifth when Faith Adams doubled to right-center to bring home Riley Nayadley. UNCG belted its third and final home run of the game in the sixth and tacked on three runs in the seventh to capture the seven-run victory.
 
Cameron Young reached base twice in the opener as she singled in the first and walked in the sixth.
 
The Bucs were outhit 12-3 in the contest where Whitley Arnott (1-2) suffered the loss after allowing three runs on five hits with five strikeouts and three walks in three innings. UNCG's Rhyann Jones improved to 4-4 after allowing one run on three hits in a complete game effort.
 
In game two, UNCG took advantage of an ETSU error in the top of the third as the Spartans plated four unearned runs in the frame to take a 4-0 lead. The Spartans capped off their scoring with a run in the fourth before Riley Nayadley's solo home run in the sixth inning made it a 5-1 contest.
 
The Bucs left nine runners stranded in game two as they had runners in scoring position in the first, second, sixth and seventh innings but ETSU couldn't generate the timely hit to get back into the contest.
 
Both teams totaled eight hits each with Brylee Mesusan and Nayadley pacing the Bucs with two hits.
 
Taylor Suchy took the loss (0-6) after being charged for five runs (one earned) on six hits in four innings. Freshman Gabrielle Fowler tossed three shutout innings of two-hit ball to close out the game. UNCG's Maddie Spell earned the win (8-5) after allowing the one run on six hits with six strikeouts in six innings of work.
 
The Bucs are back in action on Tuesday when ETSU steps out of conference to play a doubleheader at Winthrop. First pitch of the twinbill is set for 2 p.m.
 
For more information on ETSU softball, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the softball tab.