FAYETTEVILLE, NC (March 7, 2020)- FDU Softball dropped a non-conference doubleheader to Methodist University on Saturday, losing game one, 2-0 and game two, 3-1. With the losses, the Devils fall to 0-4 on the season while monarchs improve to 9-7.

GAME ONE
Senior Tara Morash started the offense for the Devils, ripping a triple with one out in the top of the first to put herself in scoring position. FDU was unable to capitalize early, stranding Morash at third. Methodist would take advantage, scratching the games first run across off of Devils sophomore starting pitcher, Ciara Hoffman in the bottom of the first innning. FDU would go down 1-2-3 in the second and third innings, before sophomore Dana Giardina singled to right field with two out in the top of the fourth.

Again, FDU was unable to capitalize, with the game remaining 1-0. The Monarchs scratched another run across in the bottom of the fifth inning, to extend their lead to 2-0. The Devils didn't quit, with hits from freshman Kristina Pelano and Morash in the top of the sixth inning, putting the tying run on first base. FDU was unable to drive in the tying run, eventually falling 2-0. Hoffman pitched great all game, throwing a complete game and giving up six hits while striking out one.

GAME TWO
The Devils got on the board early in game two, scoring the games first run in the top of the first inning. It was Morash again getting the offense going for FDU, knocking a single up the middle. With two out and players on first and third, Morash scored on a wild pitch, giving the Devils a 1-0 lead. FDU would hold that advantage until the bottom of the fourth inning, when Methodist finally broke through to take a 2-1 lead. The Monarchs scored two runs on two hits and two errors committed by the Devils defense.

Methodist would add one more in the bottom of the sixth inning, giving them a 3-1 advantage. The Devils again fought late in the game, with Morash knocking a single in the seventh, followed by sophomore Emma Gaffney reaching on an error. Pelano would single to load the bases, before Methodist was able to record the game's final out, to close the 3-1 victory. Junior Kaleigh Oplinger went the distance for FDU, throwing six innings, giving up six hits, one earned run and striking out two.

LEAD DEVILS
GM1: Morash collected two hits in the game for the Devils and finished gmae one 2-for-3 with a double.
GM2: Pelano and Morash both had a great days at the dish, combining to go 4-for-8 at the plate and collecting two hits apiece.

COACHES THOUGHTS
"We couldn't muster a good inning offensively. Pitchers performed well but didn't get the offensive backing." – Head Coach Dante Fedeli

UP NEXT
The Devils return to action tomorrow, when they travel to Salem, NC to take on William Peace University for a doubleheader starting at 12 p.m.