Williamsburg, KY – The #9 Patriots concluded their three-game series with #3 Georgia Gwinnett College, recording an 8-0 run-rule, no-hitter followed by a 4-0 victory in game two. A combined offensive and defensive effort saw UC record 14 runs on 20 hits while the pitching staff did not allow a single run and only gave up nine hits. The pitching staff also recorded six strikeouts to improve UC's record to 17-4 on the season.

GAME ONE: SHOPE'S NO HITTER COMBINED WITH RUN-RULE VICTORY, 8-0
In the first inning, Pitcher Lindsey Shope and the Patriots defense efforts saw the Grizzlies with two ground balls and a strikeout from Shope. In the bottom of the first, leadoff back-to-back hit by pitches saw Carly Oliver and Amber Gainer on base. A double to the left center field fence from Jade Gainer saw UC record an early 1-0 lead. A perfectly executed squeeze play from Makenzie Keatts sent across another run and moved Jade Gainer to third base. A clutch single up the middle from Amber Atkins increased the Pats lead to 3-0 at the end of the first.

Shope continued to deal in the circle through the third inning, producing five ground balls and one fly ball for the Cumberlands defense to field. Back on offense in the bottom of the third, UC capitalized on defensive errors to put Amber Gainer on base and swiping second. With a runner in scoring position, the Patriots were making solid contact but were unable to score the runner. Going into the fourth inning, Shope continued the no-hitter by serving up routine plays to send UC back on offense. The bottom of the fourth was sparked by a Bailey Turnbow single to center field paired with a ball from Emily Bryant to move her to second. A clutch single from Aniyah White scored Turnbow to elevate UC to a 4-0 lead going into the fifth inning.

The Patriots defense and Shope shut the door on the grizzlies in the top of the fifth with a ground ball and a strikeout looking. Back at the plate, a leadoff walk from Amber Gainer was paired with a stolen base. A defensive error by the catcher moved Amber Gainer to third, where a Jade Gainer single through the left side tacked on another run. Keatts reached first on an error followed by an Atkins single through the right side to send Keatts to third. With multiple errors in the inning, Turnbow reached first safely followed by Bryant and White to load the bases. A fielders choice play sent Turnbow home to secure the run-rule 8-0 victory over the Grizzlies.

LEADERS
Leading the way offensively, Jade Gainer was 2-3 at the plate with two RBIs and one run followed by Atkins who was 2-3 at the plate with one RBI. White was 2-3 at the plate with one RBI followed by Turnbow was 1-3 with one RBI.

Shope recorded her first no-hitter with the Pats after tossing a complete game with two strikeouts and only one walk.

GAME TWO: OFFENSIVE MOMENTUM LEADS TO TRIUMPH WIN, 4-0
Through the first two innings of play, both teams were making solid contact off both pitchers but the score remained at 0-0. In the bottom of the third, an Oliver double to left center sparked the momentum followed by an Amber Gainer bunt that stretched into a triple to give UC a 1-0 lead. A sacrifice fly from Jade Gainer elevated the Pats to 2-0 at the end of the third.

In the fourth inning, pitcher Kaitlyn Schofield followed in Shope's footsteps by serving up a ground ball and a fly ball paired with a swinging strikeout. The bottom of the first featured a Turnbow single, but the Pats were unable to muster another base runner. Both teams were quite offensively, seeing a pitchers' duel through the sixth inning, but an electric bottom of the sixth started with a Jade Gainer missile down the left field line for a standup double. An Atkins walk saw runners on first and second where a Turnbow double down the left field line tacked on another run for the Patriots. A Bryant bunt that stretched into a double saw UC score their final run of the game for a 4-0 lead. The Patriots closed the door in the seventh inning with a quick three outs to secure the series sweep over GGC.

LEADERS
Leading the way offensively, Turnbow was perfect at the plate going 3-3 with one RBI. Amber Gainer went 2-3 at the plate with one run while Jade Gainer was 2-3 with one RBI and one run.

Pitcher Schofield tossed a complete game recording three strikeouts and only allowing four hits.

The Patriots will remain in the UC Softball Complex for a doubleheader on Monday, March 11th against Bryan College. Game times are slated for 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

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