Instagram: Coach Peterson's postgame comments
CONWAY, S.C. – Two home runs helped Winthrop take the opening-round game of the Big South Championship 3-0 over Campbell at CCU Softball Field on Thursday afternoon.
Stephanie Jones and Shaela Churchill each went 1-for-3, recording Campbell's two hits. In the circle, Courtney Roberts struck out six Eagles, and Katie Baker added one.
"Our attitude is just one game at a time," head coach Drew Peterson said. "The great thing about a double-elimination tournament is you have to get beaten twice. Until someone beats us twice, I feel like we can win this tournament. I'm excited about the opportunity to play in the morning."
The game was scoreless until Winthrop got on the board in the fifth inning. Kelsey Ritter knocked a home run to left field and put the Eagles up 1-0. Big South Freshman of the Year Maddie Antone then singled to left and reached second on a Paige Haley single.
Roberts recorded her fourth strikeout of the game, putting out Sara Allen for the second out of the inning. Naomi Stevens followed with an RBI double to left center, bringing in Antone to put Winthrop up by two. Megan Winningham flied out to left, and left two stranded.
The Camels' best opportunity to bring in runners came in the bottom of the fifth. Kerstine Womack reached on a walk after Johnson flew out for the first out. Jones recorded CU's first hit on a double to right field, moving Womack to third base.
Courtney Klingler lined to second base, as Kim Ryder made the diving catch for the out. Martinet came to the plate with two on, but flew out to end the inning, with the Camels still trailing 2-0.
"We have to tip our hats to that second baseman on that line drive; that ball gets through and we tie the game," Peterson continued. "I thought Milly [Martinet] just missed one later in that inning that would have given us a three-run shot. I thought the girls competed and played seven innings of very tough softball. I think we'll come out tomorrow ready to win the next game and get after it."
After a scoreless sixth inning, the Eagles got on the board again with an Antone single shot to right field, giving Winthrop the 3-0 lead.
The Camels will take the field Friday at 9 a.m., taking on the winner of the Coastal Carolina and Liberty matchup in a must-win game.
